Chennai, Apr 30:
The Indian National Congress is gearing up for a stronger role in Tamil Nadu politics, with AICC in-charge Girish Chodankar asserting that the party can no longer remain a passive player. “We have to be either in the government or in the opposition,” he said, underlining a renewed push to reposition the party in the State.
Addressing the media in New Delhi, Chodankar said the Congress is currently in a “revival mode” and has begun consolidating its base by energising cadre, strengthening local leadership and improving coordination at multiple levels. He noted that there is a clear intent within the party to rebuild its grassroots presence and re-establish its political relevance in Tamil Nadu.
Highlighting the importance of alliances, he pointed out that coalition politics would remain crucial in the State’s electoral landscape. Chodankar expressed confidence that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam-led alliance has a strong chance of forming the government, and indicated that Chief Minister MK Stalin is likely to secure a second term.
He also remarked that the coming together of multiple alliance partners reflects a broader strategy to prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party from gaining a foothold in the State. Stressing that neutrality is no longer an option, he said the Congress aims to play a decisive role either as part of the ruling dispensation or as a strong opposition force.
Chodankar’s comments come in the backdrop of similar assertions by K Selvaperunthagai, who recently expressed confidence that the DMK-led alliance would secure a sweeping mandate of over 200 seats in the ongoing Assembly election.