DMK-Congress split: Is the DMK moving closer to the NDA? EXPLAINED

Added: 2026-06-02

[00:00:00]The collapse of the DMK Congress alliance has dramatically altered Tamil Nadu's political landscape and could have far-reaching consequences in New Delhi as well. For decades, the DMK Congress partnership was one of the strongest pillars of the national [music] opposition. But after the 2026 Tamil Nadu assembly election, that relationship has completely broken down.

[00:00:20]The DMK, once a key force within the India block, now finds itself politically isolated while the Congress has lost its most important ally in the south.

[00:00:30]This has triggered intense speculation about the DMK's future role in national politics. Reports suggest that the party may be open to extending issue-based support to the BJP-led NDA in Parliament.

[00:00:43]There are even rumors that the BJP has explored the possibility of offering ministerial positions to DMK MPs.

[00:00:50]Adding fuel to the speculation was a recent private trip by DMK president and former Chief Minister MK Stalin, opposition leader Udhayanidhi Stalin, >> [music] >> and other family members to Coorg in Karnataka.

[00:01:03]According to sources, members of the Stalin family held a closed-door meeting with a senior BJP leader.

[00:01:09]Discussions reportedly included the possibility of the DMK supporting the NDA in Delhi.

[00:01:15]Some reports also claim that ministerial berths for DMK MPs were discussed.

[00:01:20]While DMK sources have dismissed such reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent remarks in Karnataka have drawn attention.

[00:01:28]During a public meeting, Modi accused the Congress of having backstabbed and betrayed the DMK.

[00:01:35]Comments were significant because the DMK leadership has been making a similar argument even since the Congress decided to support C. Joseph Vijay led TVK government after the assembly election.

[00:01:47]From the DMK's perspective, Congress did more than abandon an ally.

[00:01:51]>> [music] >> By backing a rising rival that succeeded in defeating the DMK, the Congress turned itself into a direct political threat. That sense of betrayal appears to have reshaped the DMK's political calculations.

[00:02:04]Party leaders now believe that remaining closely aligned with the Congress offers little electoral benefit >> [music] >> and may limit the DMK's ability to engage with the Union government.

[00:02:14]One of the clearest signs of this shift came when DMK formally requested a separate seating arrangement for its MPs in the Lok Sabha, distancing itself from the Congress benches.

[00:02:25]>> [music] >> The move was widely seen as the first visible signal that the party was no longer tied to the Congress-led opposition block.

[00:02:33]The BJP, meanwhile, has moved quickly to take advantage of the situation.

[00:02:37]Rather than pushing for a formal alliance, the party has reportedly explored the possibility of working with the DMK on specific issues.

[00:02:46]Such an arrangement would allow the BJP to secure crucial parliamentary support without the political baggage of a public alliance.

[00:02:54]And the numbers matter.

[00:02:56]With the NDA falling short of strength required for major constitutional changes, the DMK's 22 Lok Sabha MPs have become increasingly valuable. Their support could prove important in future parliamentary votes, including any renewed attempt at delimitation [music] and in ensuring a stronger position for the NDA during the 2027 presidential election.

[00:03:19]Sources say the BJP has gone beyond seeking issue-based support and has conveyed its willingness to offer ministerial positions, including cabinet rank post, to DMK leaders.

[00:03:30]But for now, the DMK leadership appears cautious. Despite the political advantages such an arrangement could bring, the party remains wary of the ideological implications of moving closer to the BJP.

[00:03:43]Whether this remains political speculation or develops into a new chapter in Indian politics is something both Chennai and Delhi will be watching closely.

[00:04:00]>> [music]