The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday intensified its criticism of Congress leader and Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi following the
Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, accusing him of "political immaturity" and a lack of transparency in handling alliance partners. In its official mouthpiece, Murasoli, the DMK alleged that the Congress depends on regional allies during Lok Sabha elections but works against them during state assembly polls. The publication said, "In state after state where assembly elections are held, Congress has done everything possible to prevent fellow INDIA bloc partners from coming to power. Yet, when parliamentary elections arrive, it seeks their support in the name of fighting the BJP." Also Read: Third Front Loading? DMK Mulls Anti-BJP, Anti-Congress Axis Referring to the INDIA bloc meeting held on June 8, Murasoli claimed that several opposition leaders expressed dissatisfaction with the Congress's approach towards its allies and that Rahul Gandhi was unprepared for the criticism. The DMK mouthpiece stated, "Rahul Gandhi apparently did not anticipate such criticism. At a meeting convened to discuss opposition unity against the BJP, Congress itself became the principal target of criticism. The responsibility for that lies with Rahul Gandhi's political immaturity and dishonesty." The remarks come amid growing tensions between the Congress and the DMK after the Congress decided to support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which emerged as the single-largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The DMK has described the Congress's decision as a "betrayal" and said it has caused deep resentment among party workers. The party also boycotted the recent INDIA bloc meeting in protest. The Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPI(M), has also reportedly conveyed its concerns to the Congress over what it described as a "systematic campaign" against its leadership during the Kerala Assembly elections. However, unlike the DMK, the CPI(M) sent MP John Brittas to attend the INDIA bloc meeting. The developments have added to signs of strain within the opposition alliance as parties continue to assess their relationships ahead of future electoral contests.
