DMK-Congress Rift Deepens as Udhayanidhi Stalin Says ‘Never Trust Congress Again’

In a major escalation of tensions within the opposition bloc, DMK Youth Wing chief Udhayanidhi Stalin launched a blistering attack on longtime ally Indian National Congress, urging party workers to “ never trust Congress again ” and accusing it of betraying the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam after benefiting electorally from the alliance.

Addressing a DMK Youth Wing meeting on Saturday, Udhayanidhi alleged that Congress leaders abandoned the alliance “for power” despite DMK cadres working tirelessly to secure victories for Congress candidates in recent Lok Sabha and Assembly elections. He claimed Congress’ organisational weaknesses had indirectly contributed to the BJP’s repeated national victories, rather than only the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.

The DMK and Congress have shared a long but fluctuating alliance since the late 1990s, often joining forces against the BJP and AIADMK in Tamil Nadu. However, recent friction over seat-sharing demands, leadership ambitions, and coordination within the INDIA bloc has reportedly strained ties. Political observers believe the latest remarks could complicate opposition unity ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections .

Though Congress leaders have not officially responded, party insiders reportedly dismissed the remarks as “emotional posturing” linked to growing competition within the alliance.

Udhayanidhi, who referred to himself as Leader of Opposition during the speech, also called for internal reforms within the DMK after recent electoral setbacks. He criticised the party’s weak social media outreach and urged cadres to counter “fake narratives” online while politically engaging voters at the household level.

Analysts say the public confrontation may reshape alliance equations in Tamil Nadu and significantly influence opposition strategies before 2026.