Daijiworld Media Network - Chennai
Chennai, May 7: Amid growing political debate over the Congress party’s decision to support Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam following the Tamil Nadu Assembly election results, Congress Legislature Party leader and MLA S. Rajeshkumar strongly defended the move, stating that the decision was driven purely by the need to preserve secularism and prevent communal politics from gaining ground in the state.
In a detailed statement released on Thursday, Rajeshkumar dismissed criticism that the Congress party had abandoned its principles or acted out of political ambition. He accused certain political groups of attempting to misrepresent the party’s stand as a betrayal of public trust, while insisting that the decision was taken in the broader interest of Tamil Nadu and its social harmony.
He reiterated that Congress has always stood firmly for secularism and social justice, adding that the party’s support was based on the democratic mandate and the long-term welfare of the state.
Rajeshkumar revealed that Congress had received several political overtures even before the Assembly elections were announced. However, he said the party consciously chose to remain aligned with secular forces within the INDIA alliance in its continued opposition to communal politics.
He also recalled the active role played by Congress workers during previous elections in campaigning for the secular progressive alliance and emphasized that the party remains ideologically opposed to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and other communal forces.
Highlighting the political stance of TVK, Rajeshkumar said the party led by actor-turned-politician C. Joseph Vijay has consistently projected itself as a secular political movement. He noted that Vijay has publicly cited former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K. Kamaraj as his ideological inspiration and has pledged commitment to social justice principles.
According to Rajeshkumar, supporting a movement that embraces Kamaraj’s ideals and upholds secular and social justice values would further strengthen Tamil Nadu’s secular framework.
He maintained that Congress’ primary objective is to ensure unity among secular political parties in the state and prevent communal elements from gaining political influence. The support extended to TVK, he said, should be understood in the context of the current political situation rather than being viewed as political opportunism.
Rajeshkumar concluded by reaffirming that the Congress party would continue its fight against communalism while defending social justice and the aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu.