NEW DELHI: The DMK launched a vehement response on Sunday to remarks made by Rahul Gandhi, who characterized any endorsement of the government’s speculated initiative to enhance the number of Lok Sabha seats, coupled with constituency delimitation, as a betrayal of Tamil Nadu. This comes amid speculation within political circles that the regional party might eventually support the measure.
During his visit to Tamil Nadu, Rahul Gandhi stated that any political party that backs the constitutional amendment bill in Parliament would be akin to a “21st century Ettappan,” referring to a historical figure notorious for treachery. In reaction, senior DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran issued a sharp retort, declaring, “These are the people who traded our trust in them for mere ministerial berths.” He criticized what he called “poisonous snakes” who trade trust for power, implicitly targeting Congress’s decision to cut ties with DMK and the TVK.
Maran’s remarks reflect the enduring sense of betrayal felt within the Dravidian party regarding Congress’s quick pivot to its rival after previously aligning with DMK during elections, where the latter had fully supported Congress on critical issues, including backing Rahul’s leadership throughout their time in office.
Meanwhile, the BJP appears optimistic that the growing frustration of DMK with Congress may aid its attempts to gain support for its significant legislative initiatives, particularly the delimitation issue. Although the government has yet to take any official action to revive the bill, which was previously defeated by a united Opposition, the DMK has signaled its willingness to engage on the topic. It has expressed that any proposed law must protect the interests of South India.
Rahul Gandhi’s comments have been interpreted as an acknowledgment within the Opposition that DMK may shift its position on a bill perceived by opposition parties as a means for the BJP-led government to reorganize constituencies to its benefit ahead of the 2029 Lok Sabha elections.
Targeting Rahul Gandhi directly, Maran added, “Those who come to Tamil Nadu and remain silent on Cauvery rights are traitors. Those who focus solely on exam irregularities without advocating for the complete abolition of NEET are traitors. Furthermore, those who criticize BJP’s horse-trading but overlook the abhorrent dealings of TVK are merely perpetuating that betrayal.”
