Congress’s electoral strategy in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Kerala weakened INDIA bloc’s alliance parties: Thirumavalavan

CHENNAI: VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan on Monday criticised the Congress leadership for its electoral approach, particularly in Kerala, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, saying it had caused "dissatisfaction among several constituents" of the INDIA bloc."The approach adopted by the Congress party during the recent elections caused dissatisfaction among several constituents of the INDIA alliance. In particular, the Congress party's electoral strategy in Kerala, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu weakened parties that have been among the strongest pillars of this alliance, including the Trinamool Congress, the CPM and the DMK," Thirumavalavan said while addressing leaders at the INDIA bloc meeting convened after the assembly polls in five states in Delhi."This is neither desirable nor beneficial to the larger cause of opposition unity," he said, adding that the Congress should undertake a sincere reassessment of its approach and explore ways to further strengthen and consolidate the alliance.Stating that differences of opinion were natural in a broad coalition, Thirumavalavan said the Congress, which heads the alliance, should not allow such differences to escalate into divisions. "The responsibility for maintaining unity rests not only with regional parties but equally with national parties. At a time when Centre-state relations are under unprecedented strain, national parties must re-evaluate their positions through the lens of federalism and cooperative governance," he said.Earlier, he told an agency that he welcomed DMK chief M K Stalin’s decision to align with the INDIA bloc against Hindutva politics. He asserted that the Left parties, IUML, and VCK would help stabilise the TVK, exuding confidence that the govt would complete its five-year term.