Alliance politics has weakened Tamil Nadu Congress: State chief

CHENNAI: Sucked into a political vortex in the wake of AG

Perarivalan

’s release and ally DMK openly rejoicing to welcome the Rajiv Gandhi case convict, TNCC chief KS Alagiri admitted that in Tamil Nadu, the politics of

alliance

has slowed down his party’s growth. The concept of alliances, he said, was based on an understanding that a party can use it as a means to strengthen itself. “But in Tamil Nadu, the politics of alliance has weakened the Congress,” said Alagiri in an interview to TOI.

“A great Congress leader is considered as one who gets 20 MPs and 40 MLAs. This view is wrong. The alliance should be strong and so should the party. There are some sacrifices to be made; we need to lose some election,” said Alagiri. Several parties and politicians were born in Tamil Nadu, he said, adding: “Good orators, good writers, those who managed big alliances and those who could talk for hours on the dais, but not everyone won. You should plan for 10 years, set a goal and work hard for it, then TN people will help a party like Congress to grow.”But for that, shouldn’t Congress quit the alliance? “That depends on the prevailing political situation. If you use the alliance to strengthen your party, you will reap the benefits. But if you use it for your personal gains, you are the loser,” said Alagiri.