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Congress Revs Up Tamil Nadu Poll Push: Rahul, Priyanka Set for Visits Amid Alliance Talks

The Congress party is intensifying its preparations for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections with a dual strategy of high-level alliance negotiations and large-scale organisational mobilisation. Senior leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are scheduled to visit the state soon to participate in major party conferences, highlighting the leadership's direct focus. Internally, a committee has been formed to hold structured talks with alliance partner DMK, addressing seat-sharing and coordination amidst speculation of strains. Concurrently, the party has built an extensive network of over 18,500 village-level committees as part of a significant grassroots rebuilding effort.

Key Points: Congress Alliance Talks, Rahul-Priyanka Visits Ahead of Tamil Nadu Polls

  • Rahul & Priyanka Gandhi to visit TN
  • Alliance talks with DMK underway
  • Massive grassroots committee network built
  • Speculation on engagement with Vijay's TVK
3 min read

Assembly polls: Cong steps up alliance talks; Rahul, Priyanka may visit TN soon

Congress steps up Tamil Nadu election prep with Gandhi family visits, alliance talks with DMK, and a massive grassroots mobilisation drive. Key updates inside.

"signalling the party leadership's renewed focus on the state ahead of the polls"

Chennai, Jan 8

With the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections scheduled later this year, political activity in the state has gathered pace, and the Congress party is preparing a renewed push that combines alliance negotiations with large-scale organisational mobilisation.

Senior party leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi are expected to visit Tamil Nadu in the coming weeks, signalling the party leadership's renewed focus on the state ahead of the polls.

In recent months, reports have surfaced about Congress exploring the possibility of political engagement with actor-politician Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).

At the same time, speculation has emerged over strains within the Congress-DMK alliance, particularly following the Congress party's poor performance in the Bihar elections.

These developments have triggered intense debate within Tamil Nadu's political circles, with rival parties closely tracking the Congress' strategic direction.

Against this backdrop, the Congress high command has constituted a five-member committee to hold structured discussions with the DMK leadership.

The committee is headed by Congress Tamil Nadu in charge Girish Chodankar and includes Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Selvaperunthagai and Congress Legislature Party leader Rajesh Kumar, among others.

Party sources said the panel has begun consultations aimed at addressing alliance-related issues, including coordination, seat-sharing expectations, and the Congress' role within the ruling arrangement.

Alongside alliance talks, internal deliberations within the Congress have intensified on questions related to governance participation and political visibility. These discussions involve All India Congress Professionals and Data Analytics Department chairman Praveen Chakravarty, Congress MPs Jothimani and Manickam Tagore, and legislature party leader Rajesh Kumar.

Leaders are said to be pushing for a more defined and assertive role for Congress within the alliance framework. Since assuming charge as TNCC president, Selvaperunthagai has focused on rebuilding the party from the grassroots. According to Congress sources, around 18,500 village-level committees have been formed across Tamil Nadu.

Each committee comprises 10 members, including a chairperson, secretary, treasurer, and executive committee members, marking one of the party's most extensive organisational exercises in recent years.

The Congress is now planning a series of mass conventions to energise this network. By the end of January, a village committee conference is proposed, with nearly two lakh grassroots executives expected to participate. In addition, the party is preparing to organise a state-level women's conference and a fishermen's conference in Kanyakumari.

Sources said major events are also planned in Chennai and Tiruchirappalli, with Rahul Gandhi likely to attend the village committee conference and Priyanka Gandhi expected to participate in the women's conference, underscoring the Congress leadership's intent to reassert its presence in Tamil Nadu politics.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priyanka N
I appreciate the organizational push with 18,500 village committees. That's a massive number! But let's be honest, after the Bihar results, the Congress needs to prove its worth to the DMK. Seat-sharing talks will be tough. They can't just rely on the Gandhi name in TN, they need a strong local narrative.
R
Rahul R
Talks with Vijay's TVK? That's interesting! 🧐 A fresh face might attract youth voters. But Congress must be careful not to upset the DMK. Alliance dharma is key in Tamil Nadu politics. The committee headed by Chodankar has a tricky job balancing all these equations.
M
Meera T
Good to see plans for a women's conference with Priyanka Gandhi. Women voters are crucial. But will these conferences lead to concrete promises for women's safety, employment, and healthcare? Or is it just another photo-op? Action speaks louder than conventions.
K
Karthik V
As a Tamilian, I feel Congress is an afterthought here. The real fight is between DMK and AIADMK. Congress should clearly define what it brings to the table for Tamil Nadu's development instead of just focusing on alliance arithmetic. We need vision, not just visits.
A
Ashley H
Following Indian politics from abroad. The scale of mobilization is impressive—two lakh grassroots executives! The use of data analytics (Praveen Chakravarty) is a modern touch. But the success hinges on local leadership and a coherent message. All the best to them!

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