Amid the upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections on April 23, Congress MP S. Jothimani has raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the party’s seat-sharing and candidate selection process within the DMK-led alliance. Jothimani expressed disappointment over the secretive nature of allocating 28 seats to the Congress in the 234-member Assembly, highlighting the absence of internal consultation.
She criticized the selection process, stating that the views of party members and grassroots workers were disregarded. Jothimani emphasized the need for detailed discussions and an open mechanism in finalizing seat allocations, which she believes were ignored by the decision-makers. Her remarks reflect a growing unease within the Tamil Nadu Congress unit as alliance negotiations near completion.
Jothimani also expressed distress over the alleged neglect of loyal party workers, accusing certain individuals of undermining their efforts. She warned that a “mercenary or sales-driven approach” to seat allocation could have severe repercussions for the Congress’s future in Tamil Nadu if continued. The MP’s comments come at a critical time as political parties gear up for the elections, amidst the emergence of new players like actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK).
With nominations starting on March 30, the controversy adds to the challenges faced by the Congress in the run-up to the high-stakes electoral battle in Tamil Nadu.
