Congress Forges Alliance With Vijay's TVK, Backs New Tamil Nadu Government

Vijay was sworn in as Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on Monday at Chennai's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, with Indian National Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in attendance. The Congress has formally entered into a long-term alliance with Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), extending support for local body, Rajya Sabha, and Lok Sabha elections, after ending its decades-long partnership with the DMK.

The shift follows the defeat of the MK Stalin-led DMK alliance in the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. Congress leaders confirmed the party's withdrawal from the DMK-led front and its decision to back TVK, which broke the Dravidian duopoly by winning the largest single bloc of seats. Vijay's government currently relies on Congress support to maintain a majority, though speculation persists about potential AIADMK splits that could alter the balance.

Rahul Gandhi has held multiple discussions with Vijay in recent weeks, referring to him as "brother" during public remarks—a term previously used for Stalin. Gandhi avoided sharing the stage with Stalin during key campaign events, a move now interpreted as a signal of realignment. The Congress leadership has acknowledged missed opportunities in the past, including failed outreach to regional leaders in Andhra Pradesh and Assam.

Congress spokesperson Ragini Nayak recently shared a photograph from a 2009 meeting between Vijay and NSUI leaders, including Hibi Eden, reviving debate over past decisions. At the time, Vijay had expressed interest in joining the Congress, but was reportedly advised by Rahul Gandhi to begin with Youth Congress elections—an entry path that did not materialize.

The Congress-TVK alliance will focus on consolidating opposition unity ahead of the 2029 general elections. The Tamil Nadu Assembly will convene next month to test the new government's majority, while party strategists begin seat-sharing negotiations for upcoming electoral cycles.