The long-standing DMK-Congress alliance has come under intense strain after a fresh political confrontation between Rahul Gandhi and senior DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran, reigniting the contentious delimitation debate and triggering speculation over the future of Opposition unity. The latest flashpoint began after Rahul Gandhi warned that those supporting the proposed delimitation exercise could be remembered as "21st Century Ettappans," invoking the historical symbol of betrayal in Tamil political discourse. The remark has sparked a sharp backlash from the DMK, with Dayanidhi Maran accusing the Congress of betraying Tamil Nadu's trust despite years of political partnership. In a blistering attack, Maran alleged that the Congress traded Tamil Nadu's interests for ministerial positions and political power, even comparing the party to "poisonous snakes" while questioning its commitment to federal principles. The exchange has transformed what began as a policy disagreement into one of the most serious public confrontations between the two INDIA Bloc allies. WATCH

Tamil Nadu's political landscape has witnessed another significant development as senior AIADMK leader SS Vaigaichelvan officially joined Thalapathy Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), delivering a fresh political setback to the AIADMK ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. In a strongly worded statement after joining TVK, Vaigaichelvan described AIADMK as the "right party under the wrong leader," launching one of the sharpest public critiques yet of AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS). While questioning the current leadership, he also praised the party's ideological foundations, making it clear that his criticism was directed at the leadership rather than the party's legacy. The move is being viewed as another important milestone in Vijay's efforts to establish TVK as the principal opposition to the ruling DMK. Rather than focusing solely on high-profile faces, TVK has increasingly targeted experienced AIADMK leaders and grassroots organisers as it builds its organisational strength across Tamil Nadu. WATCH