Chennai, June 29:
Rajya Sabha MP Praveen Chakravarty on Sunday asserted that the people of Tamil Nadu have shown clear support for coalition governance, countering the DMK’s long-standing claim that such arrangements would not be accepted in the state.
Speaking to reporters at Chennai airport, Chakravarty said the success of the TVK-Congress alliance had demonstrated that voters were open to coalition governments. “Whether the DMK chooses to contest alone or with alliance partners is its internal matter. However, we have proved wrong their claim that the people of Tamil Nadu would not accept a coalition government,” he said.
He also welcomed the appointment of Manickam Tagore as president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee, stating that the move had infused renewed energy and enthusiasm within the party. Chakravarty expressed confidence that Tagore would strengthen the organisation and provide fresh direction to the state unit.
On national issues, Chakravarty said the Congress would strongly oppose the proposed delimitation exercise and the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, expected to be introduced by the BJP-led Union government during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. He alleged that these measures could adversely impact Tamil Nadu’s rights and weaken the principles of federalism.
Addressing inter-state concerns, he reiterated the Tamil Nadu Congress’s opposition to the proposed Mekedatu Dam project. Chakravarty noted that the party had conveyed its stance directly to Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar and maintained that the Congress, as a national party, could play a constructive role in resolving such disputes politically.
Referring to the performance of the Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay-led government, Chakravarty said the administration had been in office for only a month and should be given adequate time to deliver. He added that the government had already instilled public confidence and was actively working on key issues such as law and order, women’s safety, and drug control.