Chennai, Feb 16 (NationPress) The president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC), K. Selvaperunthagai, on Monday made a clear separation between the State unit and the statements made by party MP Manickam Tagore regarding the prospect of sharing power with the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). He emphasized that maintaining party discipline and adhering to directives from the central leadership are of utmost importance.

Tagore had allegedly expressed support for a request for a role in governance during a gathering of the Madurai South District Congress Committee in Tirupparankundram on February 15, where resolutions were adopted calling on Congress to seek a role in the government as per its alliance agreement in light of the upcoming Assembly elections.

In response to inquiries from journalists, Selvaperunthagai clarified that matters concerning alliances should not be publicly debated. He stated, “The central leadership has explicitly instructed us not to discuss alliance-related issues in public forums. As the State president, it is my duty to adhere to that guidance without deviation.”

Reiterating the authority of the national leadership, he remarked, “Our key leaders — Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and K. C. Venugopal — have unequivocally advised party members to avoid sharing personal views on alliance matters publicly. Their guidance stands as final.”

Though he did not mention Tagore by name in his critique, Selvaperunthagai raised concerns about the timing of such demands. “If there are opinions or issues to discuss, they should be brought before the relevant party forums. Raising such topics in public, particularly at this time, only fosters unnecessary confusion,” he pointed out.

He also reminded that the party had already set up a structured mechanism to engage in discussions with the DMK. “A committee comprising five members under Girish Chodankar has been formed to manage seat-sharing negotiations. There exists an appropriate channel for dialogue, and that process is currently in progress,” he stated.

When asked if any disciplinary actions would follow, Selvaperunthagai mentioned, “I have been summoned by the high command to discuss the current political landscape. Disregarding collective decisions or established guidelines does not enhance internal democracy.”

This situation indicates that the matter is now under the scrutiny of the party’s central leadership, highlighting the importance of unity as they approach vital electoral discussions.