Congress Defends Support to TVK, Says Move Aimed at Protecting Tamil Nadu’s Secular Fabric

Chennai, May 2026 : Facing mounting criticism over its decision to extend support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) following the Tamil Nadu Assembly election results, the Congress party on Thursday strongly defended its stand, asserting that the move was driven solely by the need to safeguard the secular character of the state and prevent communal forces from gaining political ground.

Congress Legislature Party (CLP) leader and MLA S. Rajeshkumar, in a detailed statement issued amid the rapidly changing political developments in Tamil Nadu, rejected allegations that the Congress had compromised its ideological principles or acted out of political opportunism.

He maintained that the party’s decision was taken after careful consideration of the prevailing political situation and in the broader interest of preserving social harmony, secularism and democratic values in the state.

Rajeshkumar said certain political groups and critics were attempting to portray Congress support to the Vijay-led TVK as a betrayal of the people’s mandate. However, he argued that the Congress party had always remained firmly committed to secular politics and social justice, which continue to be the guiding principles behind all its political decisions.

“Congress has consistently stood for secularism, democratic values and social justice. Our support was extended keeping in mind the welfare of Tamil Nadu and the need to maintain communal harmony in the state,” Rajeshkumar said.

The Congress leader pointed out that even before the Assembly elections were announced, several political options and invitations had emerged before the party. However, he said Congress chose to remain aligned with secular and progressive forces under the INDIA bloc framework in its ideological battle against communal politics.

He further stated that Congress cadres had actively campaigned in support of secular alliances in previous elections and reiterated that the party continued to remain ideologically opposed to the RSS and all forms of communal politics.

Rajeshkumar also referred to TVK’s political positioning and said the party, led by actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay, had repeatedly projected itself as a secular movement committed to inclusive governance and social justice.

Highlighting Vijay’s public admiration for former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Kamaraj, Rajeshkumar said the TVK chief had openly declared Kamaraj as his political inspiration and pledged adherence to principles rooted in equality, welfare and social justice.

“Supporting a movement that accepts Kamaraj’s ideals and speaks the language of secularism and social justice will only strengthen the progressive and secular foundations of Tamil Nadu,” he said.

He stressed that the Congress party’s primary objective was to ensure unity among secular political forces and prevent communal elements from gaining influence in Tamil Nadu politics.

Rajeshkumar urged critics not to view the Congress decision through the narrow lens of political calculations or immediate electoral gains, insisting that the support extended to TVK must be understood in the context of the current political circumstances in the state.

“The Congress party will continue its political journey against communalism and in defence of social justice, constitutional values and the sentiments of the people of Tamil Nadu,” he added.