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Congress Tamil Nadu in-charge says Rahul-Vijay combo could have won 180-190 seats
Girish Chodankar acknowledged that Congress's decision to stick with the DMK alliance went against grassroots sentiment favoring TVK, suggesting Rahul Gandhi and Vijay could have delivered 180-190 seats. The final tally later showed TVK winning 108 seats, DMK 59, and Congress 5. The report also notes oath plans for Vijay on May 7 and leadership decisions discussions by party officials.
Why It Matters
The remarks reveal internal assessments of alliance choices and the potential impact of star campaigners in Tamil Nadu, highlighting tensions between local sentiment and national bloc strategy.
Timeline
4 Events
Alva Nivedith says high command will decide Tamil Nadu legislature party leadership; Rahul Gandhi speaks to Vijay
May 5, 2026
AICC secretary in-charge for TN and Puducherry, Alva Nivedith, said the Congress high command would decide the leadership of its legislature party in Tamil Nadu. After meetings with newly elected MLAs and the state unit chief, he indicated that the national leadership would determine the party's future political roadmap. He noted outreach and addressed reports of communication between the high command and TVK founder Vijay. Rahul Gandhi tweeted that he had spoken to various national leaders, with Vijay being one of them.
Vijay to take oath as Chief Minister on May 7 (reported)
May 5, 2026
A report cited Tamil Nadu government formation LIVE updates indicating that Vijay is expected to take oath as Chief Minister on May 7.
Final tally: TVK 108, DMK 59, Congress 5 (ECI tally)
May 5, 2026
The final tally released by the Election Commission shows Vijay-led TVK with 108 seats, DMK with 59, and Congress with 5 in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.
Chodankar says Congress's DMK alliance went against grassroots sentiment favoring TVK
May 5, 2026
Girish Chodankar, AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu, admitted that the leadership's decision to continue the DMK alliance ran counter to strong grassroots sentiment favoring TVK. He stated that local leaders believed Rahul Gandhi joining Vijay in the campaign could have a large impact and potentially yield 180-190 seats. He noted the decision was driven by the INDIA bloc and the DMK’s long-standing alliance, and asserted TVK would have performed remarkably well. He added that cadres were angry and shifted toward TVK.