Alliance Rift: Congress-DMK Spar Over Tamil Nadu's 'Alarming' Debt Ahead of 2026 Polls

• A political rift has emerged between Congress and DMK in Tamil Nadu over the state's debt situation, ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
• Congress functionary Praveen Chakravarty sparked the controversy by tweeting that Tamil Nadu's debt is now higher than Uttar Pradesh's, and its interest burden is third highest.
• DMK spokesperson Salem Dharanidharan countered, stating Tamil Nadu has strong economic health and high per capita GDP, while former MP Dr S Senthil Kumar alleged political motives.
• Congress MP Jothimani attempted damage control, arguing that comparing Tamil Nadu with Uttar Pradesh is unfair due to TN's superior development.
• The BJP capitalized on the disagreement, calling it a "self goal" and highlighting cracks within the Congress-DMK alliance, part of the India Bloc.

Why It Matters: Internal conflict over state finances strains Congress-DMK alliance before 2026 polls.