Congress does not believe in ‘backdoor politics’, says Selvaperunthagai

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president K. Selvaperunthagai on Saturday stated that the Congress does not believe in “backdoor politics,” responding to remarks made at the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam’s public meeting held in Cuddalore a day earlier.

“The Congress party never engages in backdoor politics. Our politics and negotiations are always open and transparent. We are not brokers and do not operate through covert dealings,” Mr. Selvaperunthagai told reporters.

His remarks came after DMDK youth wing leader Vijay Prabhakaran, addressing the conference on Friday, cautioned Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam president Vijay against aligning with the Congress, which has extended support over the release of his upcoming film Jana Nayagan.

Clarifying the Congress party’s position on alliances, Mr. Selvaperunthagai said seat-sharing talks in Tamil Nadu were being handled by a committee appointed by the party high command and led by Girish Chodankar. “At present, we are in discussions only with the DMK. There have been no talks with the TVK,” he said.

He also warned party members against making public statements or putting up banners related to alliances or seat-sharing, stating that such actions violate party discipline and undermine the negotiation process.