DMK to Boycott INDIA Bloc Meeting, Blames Congress for ‘Betrayal’ in Tamil Nadu

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Thursday announced that it will not attend the INDIA bloc meeting scheduled in New Delhi on June 8, citing widespread resentment among party workers over what it described as the Congress party’s “betrayal” following the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

In a statement, the DMK said its cadres remain deeply hurt by Congress’ decision to support the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) after the elections, prompting the party to stay away from the opposition alliance gathering.

“Respecting the sentiments of DMK cadres, who continue to feel aggrieved by the Congress party’s actions after the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the DMK will not participate in the INDIA alliance meeting in New Delhi on June 8,” the party said. It added, however, that it would continue to support and raise issues concerning national welfare alongside other opposition parties.

DMK leader TKS Elangovan said the decision reflected the mood within the party. “Our cadres are not happy with Congress going with the TVK,” he told PTI.

The rift emerged after Congress backed the TVK during the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, a move that triggered strong criticism from the DMK, which accused its long-time ally of political “betrayal” and “backstabbing.”

Although the TVK failed to secure the 118-seat majority mark, it staked claim to form the government with outside support. Congress subsequently extended support to the party led by C. Joseph Vijay, effectively abandoning its alliance with the DMK.

DMK Youth Wing chief Udhayanidhi Stalin sharply criticized Congress, accusing it of turning against the DMK after benefiting from the alliance for years.

“For over 20 years, the Congress party rode on our backs. Today, they have stabbed us in the back. No one should forget this, and we should never trust Congress again,” Udhayanidhi said at a recent party meeting.

The INDIA bloc meeting on June 8 is expected to bring together leaders from around 15 opposition parties to discuss a coordinated strategy against the BJP-led government and strengthen opposition unity ahead of upcoming political battles.

Among those expected to attend are Mamata Banerjee, Uddhav Thackeray, Akhilesh Yadav, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. Sources said efforts are also underway to bring the TVK into the opposition fold.

The Aam Aadmi Party is also unlikely to participate, having distanced itself from the INDIA alliance in recent months.

The absence of both the DMK and AAP is likely to raise questions about opposition cohesion at a time when the bloc is seeking to reinforce unity amid shifting political equations across the country.