The rift within the INDIA bloc widened on Tuesday as the DMK launched a sharp attack on Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of mishandling relations with alliance partners and failing to address growing dissatisfaction within the opposition camp.
In a strongly worded editorial published in its party mouthpiece Murasoli, the DMK alleged that Congress has repeatedly worked against regional allies during assembly elections while expecting their support during Lok Sabha polls in the name of opposing the BJP.
The publication argued that Congress has often prevented alliance partners from gaining political ground in states where assembly elections are held.
According to the editorial, this contradiction has fuelled resentment among several INDIA bloc constituents.
The DMK claimed that concerns over Congress’s conduct surfaced during the INDIA bloc meeting held on June 8, where several leaders reportedly voiced dissatisfaction over the party’s handling of alliance relationships.
The editorial alleged that Congress unexpectedly found itself facing criticism at a gathering convened to strengthen opposition unity.
“Rahul Gandhi apparently did not anticipate such criticism. At a meeting convened to discuss opposition unity against the BJP, Congress itself became the principal target of criticism. The responsibility for that lies with Rahul Gandhi’s political immaturity and dishonesty,” Murasoli said.
The latest confrontation comes in the aftermath of the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Relations between the DMK and Congress have become strained after Congress extended support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which emerged as the single-largest party in the state elections.
The DMK has viewed the move as a betrayal and said it has caused anger among party workers.
Amid the dispute, the party chose to stay away from the recent INDIA bloc meeting.
The unease is not limited to the DMK. The CPI(M) has also conveyed its concerns to Congress over what it described as a “systematic campaign” against its leadership during the Kerala Assembly elections.
However, unlike the DMK, the Left party participated in the INDIA bloc meeting and was represented by MP John Brittas.
