Congress-DMK are together in fight against fascist forces, final decision by high command: K.C. Venugopal

In the wake of intense speculation over whether the Congress-DMK would continue for the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the All India Congress Committee General Secretary (Organisation) K.C. Venugopal on Tuesday (February 17, 2026) said the “Congress and DMK are old allies” and “we are together” to fight the fascist forces.

Speaking to reporters in Chennai after participating in a protest march against Union Government’s decision to dismantle the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Mr. Venugopal urged the Congress leaders in Tamil Nadu not to make any comments on the issues surrounding the alliance.

“I can categorically say: the Congress and DMK are old allies. We have a tradition to have an alliance on common issues…to fight the fascist forces…fight against the communal forces. We were together and we are also together. Of course, Assembly elections are coming…we are on the process [of having discussions with the party], our people also have political ambition. There needs to be a clear cut coalition discussion. We are waiting for the discussion. I think the DMK will inform us when it is going to start,” he said.

“As far as the ‘different voices’ within the Congress party, I would like to categorically say…that is not the party’s stand. That is their individual opinion, not the party’s view. Final decision will be taken by the [AICC] high command on the Tamil Nadu alliance,” he said.

Asked about the demand for “power share” despite DMK leader and Chief Minister M KhStalin rejecting it, Mr. Venugopal said, “The Congress high command will inform you all in due course.”

He further said, “Nobody has a right to speak against or in favour of alliance partners now. The Congress high command will take the final decision.”

The clear cut directive comes after Congress’ Virudhunagar M.P., B. Manickam Tagore made a speech recently in Madurai which was considered critical of the DMK.

All India Professionals’ Congress chairman Praveen Chakravarty also has been making comments widely perceived as against the DMK.

The “out of turn” comments prompted the DMK leadership to consider demanding action against the two Congress functionaries before inviting the Congress for seat sharing talks.

The DMK had earlier announced it would constitute its seat sharing committee on or after February 22.