Trichy, Tamil Nadu: In a notable political development, the Congress party skipped an event of the Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) led by the ruling DMK on Friday, citing concerns over a controversial invitation that featured a photo of Velupillai Prabhakaran, the late leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), responsible for the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi. Despite this, Congress maintained that its alliance with the DMK remains intact.
Congress Response and Alliance Status
The decision to boycott the event was confirmed by Tamil Nadu Congress chief K Selvaperunthagai, who said the party found it inappropriate to attend after seeing the invitation featuring Prabhakaran’s image.
According to sources, seven local Congress functionaries did not participate in the event, though the photograph did not ultimately appear during the actual proceedings. A senior Congress leader, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said:
“It didn’t seem right to attend after seeing the invite.”
Despite the boycott, officials emphasized that the alliance with DMK remains unchanged, signaling that the decision was about protocol and symbolism, not a break from the ruling coalition.
MDMK’s March for Equality and Campaign Goals
The event marked the launch of MDMK chief Vaiko’s 10-day “march for equality” in Trichy district, a campaign ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Vaiko stated that the yatra aims to promote communal harmony and raise awareness about drug and alcohol abuse, with the march set to conclude in Madurai on January 12.
Leaders from other SPA allies, including VCK, IUML, CPI, CPI(M), and Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM), participated in the event, highlighting the coalition’s unified presence despite the Congress’ absence.
Chief Minister Stalin’s Remarks
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin flagged off the campaign, using the platform to underline the need to eradicate communal politics and drug abuse.
“We are witnessing hate speeches resulting in Christians, Muslims, and Scheduled Caste communities living in apprehension due to attacks on them,” Stalin said. “Instead of living together, divisive forces are using religion to spread hatred rather than bring people together.”
Stalin also stressed that tackling the issue of drugs is a shared responsibility of the state, the Central government, and society at large. He listed ongoing crackdowns and measures taken to curb drug-related problems in Tamil Nadu.
Opposition Criticism and Campaign Context
The backdrop of this boycott is a politically charged atmosphere where communality and minority safety remain sensitive issues. The inclusion of Prabhakaran’s image in the invite was seen as a potential provocation, prompting Congress to avoid participation while maintaining its political commitments within the alliance.
VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan framed the upcoming assembly elections as a contest between “Samathuvam” (equality) and “Sanatanam”, referring to the BJP’s Hindutva agenda, emphasizing that the campaign seeks to position communal harmony as a central election issue.
MDMK’s Campaign Messaging
Vaiko’s march underscores the MDMK’s focus on social equity, communal harmony, and public awareness on substance abuse, aiming to highlight issues that resonate across communities in Tamil Nadu.
While the Congress’ absence drew attention, the launch of the yatra showcased the alliance’s broader commitment to these goals, even as it navigates sensitive political optics.
The incident reflects the delicate balancing act of political alliances in Tamil Nadu, where symbolism, historical memory, and contemporary issues intersect, often creating flashpoints even among long-standing partners. By choosing to skip the event, Congress signalled a stance on appropriate symbolism, while reaffirming its strategic alliance with the DMK for the assembly polls.
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