Chennai, May 7:
Indian National Congress on Wednesday rejected allegations that it had “backstabbed” its long-time ally Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam by extending support to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam for government formation in Tamil Nadu.
Addressing reporters, Congress media and publicity chairperson Pawan Khera said the party’s move could not be described as betrayal and pointed out that the DMK itself had contested the 2014 Lok Sabha elections separately after parting ways with Congress.
“This cannot be called backstabbing,” Khera said, questioning why like-minded parties coming together to form a government should be seen as controversial.
The remarks came after DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai accused Congress of betraying both the alliance and the people’s mandate by supporting TVK after contesting the Assembly polls as part of the DMK-led front.
Khera defended the Congress stand, saying the party had never sought positions or power during its alliance with the DMK over the past five years. “We were never hankering after posts, not even boards or corporations,” he said.
The Congress formally announced support to TVK after party leaders in Chennai said TVK chief C Joseph Vijay had sought their backing to form the government. Congress workers celebrated the decision at Satyamurthi Bhavan by bursting crackers following the announcement.