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Sources indicate that Rahul Gandhi is exploring the possibility of breaking away from the DMK ahead of the Tamil Nadu elections
It suggests that Congress wants favourable seat-sharing talks with the DMK and may consider other options if Tamil Nadu’s ruling party insists on being the dominant partner. (File pic/PTI)
Rahul Gandhi’s pinned post on social media site X about Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) chief and actor Vijay has sparked reactions within Congress and concerns in the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). The post supports the actor amid the hold on the release of Vijay’s latest movie, Jana Nayagan. Interestingly, Rahul Gandhi’s support for Vijay came as the Congress leader arrived in Tamil Nadu to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of St Thomas School.
Additionally, the Congress shared a post depicting Rahul Gandhi as a Thalaiva or leader, raising questions about whether this was a message to the DMK indicating they were considering other options.
The I&B Ministry’s attempt to block ‘Jana Nayagan’ is an attack on Tamil culture.Mr Modi, you will never succeed in suppressing the voice of the Tamil people.
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) January 13, 2026
It’s not just the pinned post causing a stir. A phone call from Rahul Gandhi has also created tension between the DMK and Congress. The DMK was critical of the stampede during a rally by Vijay, which led to a CBI probe. Rahul Gandhi’s phone call to Vijay, expressing sympathy for those who lost their lives, was questioned by the DMK.
The situation became clearer when the Congress tested the waters with a statement from its research department head, Praveen Chakravarty, who is close to Rahul Gandhi. The message suggested Congress should consider a tie-up with Vijay’s TVK, but this was rejected by Tamil Nadu Congress member of Parliament, Jothimani.
Sources indicate that Rahul Gandhi is exploring the possibility of breaking away from the DMK. Historically, the DMK was viewed negatively by Congress due to its perceived slow action in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. However, in 2004, Kamal Nath convinced Sonia Gandhi that defeating the BJP was more important, leading to the UPA formation with the DMK.
Over time, M Karunanidhi became a loyal ally of Sonia Gandhi. During the alleged 2G scam row, despite Prime Minister Manmohan Singh wanting to drop DMK leaders from his cabinet, Sonia Gandhi and Karunanidhi persuaded him otherwise. Rahul Gandhi, however, seems intent on undoing this alliance now that he controls the party.
The pinned post indicates Rahul Gandhi’s proactive stance on Vijay’s movie release issue, contrasting with the DMK’s silence. It suggests that Congress wants favourable seat-sharing talks with the DMK and may consider other options if Tamil Nadu’s ruling party insists on being the dominant partner.
Some Congress members in Tamil Nadu have informed Rahul Gandhi that Vijay is very popular among women and youth, which could benefit the party. However, there is concern about a possible post-poll alliance between Vijay, AIADMK, and the BJP, and the CBI’s investigation might pressure Vijay to avoid aligning with Congress.
In the Congress camp, there is worry that Rahul Gandhi is risking the DMK alliance, which has historically benefited his party in both assembly and Lok Sabha elections. Should Vijay side with the BJP despite Rahul Gandhi’s overtures, it could be a significant setback for the Congress.
While Rahul Gandhi and his supporters in Tamil Nadu Congress hope for an alliance with Vijay, the journey from a phone call to a pinned post has only aggravated the DMK.
January 13, 2026, 20:04 IST
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