Congress to wait and watch before picking allies in Tamil Nadu

NEW DELHI: Congress will wait for minor outfits of Tamil Nadu to finalize their political preferences to have a better idea of the coming assembly elections, as the party remains conscious not to jump the gun in view of its peripheral presence in the Dravidian landscape.

There is a dominant view in the party that it should align with DMK of Karunanidhi in the coming elections. Besides being more eager for a rainbow alliance for having more at stake, the DMK chief has also made a public offer to Congress. AIADMK is tightly aligned with BJP at the Centre.

But, according to party functionaries, Congress does not want to be seen as proactive in the state. Since the expectations are low, a premature excitement can lead to disproportionate political costs by way of criticism and ridicule in case of a negative electoral outcome.

Known as "5% party" for its limited political clout, Congress is likely to wait for alliance-making under way among stronger players in the fragmented state politics. DMDK of Vijaykanth is being watched amid talks that it is negotiating with DMK. If it happens, the alliance would be better placed to take on Jayalalithaa. Other parties like PMK of Ramadoss and the Left have to make up their mind too.

Once these equations are clear, Congress would think it prudent to make public its preferences or expectations in terms of seats.

An office-bearer said, "We have little option and we have little to offer. But we represent a principal opposition pole in the national politics. That is important."

According to one suggestion, AIADMK would desperately want to keep DMK away from Vijaykanth to keep the opposition weak given the challenge of anti-incumbency and the resentment over Chennai flood relief. But if that does not materialize, Jayalalithaa would also look for partners and, in that case, Congress should side with her. But that option seems remote.

The fate of state Congress chief EVKS Elangovan is seen to hinge on the future alliance. If the party aligns with DMK, he is likely to survive in view of his bitter rivalry with Jayalalithaa.

Else, he is facing opposition from state colleagues who want him to be replaced by a "ad hoc committee" for the elections.