Chennai

In a significant setback for the opposition INDIA alliance, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Thursday announced that it will not participate in the bloc's meeting scheduled in New Delhi on June 8, citing growing resentment within the party over the Congress's post-election stance in Tamil Nadu.

The DMK said its cadre remain deeply aggrieved by what they view as a "betrayal" by the Congress after the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, in which the Congress contested as part of the DMK-led alliance but later extended support to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)-led government.

"In view of the sentiments of DMK workers, who continue to feel deeply hurt by what they consider the betrayal committed by the Congress party after the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the DMK has decided not to attend the INDIA alliance meeting in New Delhi on June 8, especially since the Congress will be participating in it," the party said in a statement.

Despite its decision to stay away from the meeting, the DMK clarified that it remains committed to raising issues concerning national welfare and will continue to support causes championed by other opposition parties when they align with public interest.

The move reflects the widening strain between the DMK and Congress following the Tamil Nadu elections, where the DMK-led alliance was defeated and the TVK emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats. Congress subsequently backed the TVK in forming the government, a decision that reportedly triggered strong discontent within the DMK.

The latest development comes shortly after the DMK formally sought a separate seating arrangement from the Congress in the Lok Sabha, signalling further distancing between the two long-time allies.

The DMK has been one of the most vocal anti-BJP parties within the INDIA alliance, and its absence from the upcoming meeting is likely to raise questions about opposition unity ahead of future political battles.