DMK Withdraws from INDIA Bloc Meeting Amid Rift with Congress

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, has confirmed it will not participate in the upcoming meeting of the INDIA bloc on June 8 in New Delhi. This decision comes in light of growing tensions with the Indian National Congress, following a significant political shift in Tamil Nadu after recent Assembly elections.

The fallout stems from Congress's support for actor Vijay's Television and Knowledge (TVK) party, as it endeavoured to form a government in Tamil Nadu, despite their long-established alliance with the DMK. DMK leaders expressed strong dissatisfaction, accusing Congress of betrayal and prioritising political advantage over their enduring partnership. "Our cadre is deeply upset and angry. Respecting their sentiments, the leadership has decided not to participate in the INDIA alliance meeting where Congress is a constituent," stated Saravanan Annadurai, a DMK spokesperson.

He did, however, acknowledge that the party would still consider the issues discussed at the meeting, as they share a vision for the nation's development and welfare with other members of the alliance.

The discord between DMK and Congress is not limited to party meetings, as it has begun to impact parliamentary interactions. Recently, DMK MP Kanimozhi reached out to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla requesting separate seating for DMK MPs, citing the “changed political circumstances” following the split from Congress. This move has been interpreted as an initial formal acknowledgment of the fractured relationship within the INDIA bloc.

The scheduled assembly on June 8 is aimed at discussing strategies against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA), focusing on coordinating plans for upcoming political challenges. This meeting at the Constitution Club is expected to gather around 15 parties from the opposition.

The backdrop for this meeting includes recent electoral challenges faced by major members of the INDIA bloc, such as the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal and the DMK in Tamil Nadu. Notably, former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, along with Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, is anticipated to attend, despite their party experiencing internal discontent, with many MLAs reportedly dissenting against leadership.

Banerjee plans to raise concerns regarding alleged attacks on Trinamool Congress leaders and seek backing from other opposition parties. Additional notable attendees are expected to include Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge.

In contrast, the Aam Aadmi Party has distanced itself from the INDIA bloc and is not expected to participate in the forthcoming meeting. This gathering is being viewed as an opportunity for opposition parties to reinforce coordination amid shifting political landscapes across the country. The last formal convening of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance occurred on June 1, 2024, ahead of the parliamentary elections, followed by a strategy dinner hosted by Rahul Gandhi on August 7, 2025, attended by nearly 50 leaders from over 25 opposition parties, focusing on various electoral issues and strategies concerning the Central government.

Overall, the absence of the DMK at the planned meeting underscores the growing complexities within the opposition alliance as parties navigate their alliances and strategies in the political arena of India.