‘Only Congress Can...’: Rahul Gandhi’s Remark Against BJP Comes Amid INDIA Bloc Unease Over Tamil Nadu Shift

Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Indian National Congress, released a video message on his X account asserting that only the Congress party can defeat Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He repeated the claim in Hindi with the phrase ‘Likh kar le lo,’ translating to ‘Write it down,’ emphasizing Congress’s sole ability to challenge the ruling party. The statement came as Congress backed Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) leader C. Joseph Vijay’s claim to form Tamil Nadu’s government, despite the party falling short of a majority in the May 4 Assembly elections. Vijay arrived in Chennai with support letters from Congress and allied parties, strengthening his position but creating a rift with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), a long-time Congress ally in Tamil Nadu. The move has triggered tensions within the INDIA bloc, the opposition coalition formed in 2023 to challenge the BJP nationally. Regional allies, including the DMK, have expressed unease over Congress’s decision, fearing it could disrupt future electoral strategies. The timing is critical, as Uttar Pradesh faces elections within the next ten months, and the BJP has gained momentum after forming its first government in West Bengal. Akhilesh Yadav, leader of the Samajwadi Party, shared photos of meetings with Mamata Banerjee (West Bengal) and MK Stalin (DMK) on X, captioning them with a message implying loyalty to allies. His post was seen as a subtle rebuke to Congress, while DMK leader Kanimozhi Karunanidhi publicly thanked Yadav, highlighting the alliance’s growing divisions. The political fallout extends beyond Tamil Nadu, with the episode underscoring broader strains in the INDIA bloc ahead of upcoming state and national elections. Congress’s support for Vijay has complicated government formation talks in Tamil Nadu while raising questions about the coalition’s cohesion in the face of shifting priorities.