CHENNAI: Congress MP Jothimani has expressed serious concern over the functioning of the Tamil Nadu Congress, warning that internal conflicts and dilution of ideology are weakening the party at a critical time when the state is facing threats from communal and divisive forces.
Congress MP Jothimani, in a strongly worded post on social media, on Friday flagged what she described as disturbing developments within the Tamil Nadu Congress, stating that no political party would normally obstruct its own Member of Parliament from submitting a booth agent list to the Election Commission during elections.
Calling the situation unprecedented, Jothimani said the issues unfolding in the Tamil Nadu Congress were deeply worrying. She alleged that attempts were being made to dilute the party’s ideological positions and political activities, leading to growing disappointment among cadres.
According to her, the party was increasingly making headlines for internal disputes rather than for raising people’s issues.
The MP warned that Tamil Nadu was facing an “unprecedented danger” from communal, divisive and violent forces, and cautioned that certain groups were waiting to exploit public sentiment to capture power. Such forces, she said, aimed to destroy the legacy of social justice, self respect, people centric governance and development nurtured by leaders such as Perunthalaivar Kamarajar and Periyar.
Stressing the importance of the forthcoming elections, Jothimani said all political parties carried a responsibility to act with caution and maturity. However, she questioned whether the Congress party had fully realised the magnitude of this responsibility.
Referring to grassroots workers, she noted that despite being out of power for nearly 60 years, Congress cadres continued to proudly carry the party flag in villages across Tamil Nadu. She urged the leadership not to abandon the sentiments of these workers or the people of Tamil Nadu who, she said, remained firmly committed to social justice, self-respect and state rights without succumbing to communal or divisive conspiracies.
Jothimani also pointed to the lack of effective control over continuing internal problems within the state unit, describing the situation as deeply demoralising. She alleged that instead of advancing ideological politics and addressing public concerns, the party was engaging in political calculations for the benefit of a few individuals, pushing the Tamil Nadu Congress towards gradual decline.
Drawing a contrast with the party’s national leadership, the MP said the current trajectory of the Tamil Nadu Congress was “completely opposite” to the selfless, principled and fearless politics of Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. She asserted that the party could not betray his relentless efforts and sacrifices.
Concluding her remarks, Jothimani said the respect and identity enjoyed by the Congress in Tamil Nadu were rooted in the legacy protected by Kamarajar and in the love and respect the people of the state had for the sacrifices of the Nehru–Gandhi family, and urged party leaders to remember and uphold that legacy.