Analysis of editorial from The Hindu newspaper on February 18, 2026
No gain in bargaining: On the Congress-DMK alliance
The Congress, not the DMK, stands to lose more if it frays the alliance
Congress-DMK AllianceTamil Nadu PoliticsSecular Progressive AllianceINDIA BlocTVKVijay
Sentences
Sentence 1 of 13
English Original
At a time when the opposition to the BJP has become fragmented or weakened across India,the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Naduremainsthe most robust multi-party anti-BJP alliance,largely because of its ideological cohesion in a State with a distinct socio-political ethos and the seamless ability of its constituent parties to transfer votes to allies.
At a time when the opposition to the BJP has become fragmented or weakened across India
During a period when the political parties against the BJP are divided or have lost their strength in many parts of the country.
SubjectWho/What
the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu
The group of political parties in Tamil Nadu headed by the DMK party.
VerbWhat is happening
remains
Continues to be.
ComplementCompletes meaning
the most robustmulti-party anti-BJP alliance
The strongest group made of several parties that is together against the BJP.
AdjunctAdditional info
largely because of its ideological cohesion in a State with a distinct socio-political ethos and the seamless ability of its constituent parties to transfer votes to allies
Mainly because the parties have the same beliefs in a state with unique social and political values, and their supporters can easily vote for each other’s candidates.
Context and Background
The Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA)
The SPA is a powerful political coalition in Tamil Nadu led by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). It includes the Indian National Congress, Left parties, and several Dalit-representative groups. This alliance has been very successful, winning all 39 parliamentary seats in Tamil Nadu during the 2024 general elections.
Sentence 2 of 13
English Original
Yet,recent developments, where second-rung Congress leaders have either critiqued the DMK or demanded a direct share in power,have stretchedthe seams of the alliancedangerously to the brink of a fallout between the parties.
However (used to show a contrast with the previous statement).
SubjectWho/What
recent developments, where second-rung Congress leaders have either critiqued the DMK or demanded a direct share in power
New things that happened recently, such as middle-level Congress leaders criticizing the DMK or asking for a role in the state government.
VerbWhat is happening
have stretched
Have pulled or pushed to the limit.
ObjectWhat receives action
the seams of the alliance
The connections or ‘stitches’ that hold the group of parties together.
AdjunctAdditional info
dangerously to the brink of a fallout between the parties
In a risky way that brings them very close to breaking their partnership.
Sentence 3 of 13
English Original
The arrangement between the SPA’s partnershas beenclearfor over a decade — the DMK forms the government with their support, and the alliance benefits collectively in terms of representation at the Centre, State and local levels through vote transfers.
The deal or agreement made between the different parties in the alliance.
VerbWhat is happening
has been
Has stayed or remained.
ComplementCompletes meaning
clear
Easy to understand and well-defined.
AdjunctAdditional info
for over a decade — the DMK forms the government with their support, and the alliance benefits collectively in terms of representation at the Centre, State and local levels through vote transfers
For more than ten years, where the DMK makes the government in the state while all parties get their share of seats in the national and local levels by helping each other get votes.
Sentence 4 of 13
English Original
This arrangementhelpedthe Congressreap a good harvest of MPs from Tamil Nadu in the 2024 general election.
reap a good harvest of MPs from Tamil Nadu in the 2024 general election
Get a large number of elected Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu in the 2024 national elections.
Context and Background
2024 Election Success
In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance won all 39 parliamentary seats in Tamil Nadu. The Congress party, as a key ally, successfully won all 9 seats it contested, significantly contributing to its national tally.
Sentence 5 of 13
English Original
SowhyhaveMP Manickam Tagore and All India Professionals’ Congress president Praveen Chakravartybegun criticisingthe DMK,even after the high command asked them not to air such views publicly?
MP Manickam Tagore and All India Professionals’ Congress president Praveen Chakravarty
The two specific Congress leaders, Manickam Tagore (an MP) and Praveen Chakravarty (a wing president).
VerbWhat is happening
have begun criticising
Have started to point out faults or speak against.
ObjectWhat receives action
the DMK
The DMK party.
AdjunctAdditional info
even after the high command asked them not to air such views publicly
In spite of the fact that the top leaders of the Congress party told them not to show these opinions to the public or media.
Context and Background
Congress Internal Friction
Manickam Tagore and Praveen Chakravarty have recently criticized the DMK’s governance and demanded a share in power for the Congress in Tamil Nadu. The Congress central leadership (High Command) has officially termed these as ‘personal views’ to avoid upsetting their ally, the DMK, before the 2026 elections.
Sentence 6 of 13
English Original
The call for a share in powercould be seenas a bargaining ploy to contest more Assembly seats.
The demand by some leaders to have Congress ministers in the Tamil Nadu state government.
VerbWhat is happening
could be seen
Might be understood or interpreted.
ComplementCompletes meaning
as a bargaining ploy to contest more Assembly seats
As a smart trick or strategy in an argument to get more seats to fight in the state elections.
Sentence 7 of 13
English Original
But,the Congresssecureda far better strike rate in 2021 (18 of 25 seats) compared to 2016 (eight of 41),suggesting that this limitation was justifiable relative to its support base.
a far better strike rate in 2021 (18 of 25 seats) compared to 2016 (eight of 41)
A much higher winning percentage in 2021 (winning 18 out of 25 seats) than in 2016 (winning only 8 out of 41 seats).
AdjunctAdditional info
suggesting that this limitation was justifiable relative to its support base
Showing that giving them fewer seats was fair and right based on how many people actually support the party.
Sentence 8 of 13
English Original
Power-sharingwould beviableonly if the SPA contested on a jointly drafted common minimum programme, or if the Congress had substantively increased its support base in the State, necessitating accommodation.
An arrangement where multiple parties in an alliance have ministers in the government.
VerbWhat is happening
would be
Could be or might become.
ComplementCompletes meaning
viable
Possible and likely to work successfully.
AdjunctAdditional info
only if the SPA contested on a jointly drafted common minimum programme, or if the Congress had substantively increased its support base in the State, necessitating accommodation
Only if the alliance fought the election with a shared plan of work, or if the Congress had grown much stronger in the state, making it necessary for the DMK to give them more power.
Sentence 9 of 13
English Original
Unlike the VCK or the Left, which have held the DMK-led government to account on issues of labour and caste discrimination despite outside support,the Congress’s critiqueshave beenopportunistic and ad hoc,surfacing only after actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as an oppositional force.
Unlike the VCK or the Left, which have held the DMK-led government to account on issues of labour and caste discrimination despite outside support
Different from parties like the VCK or the Communists, who have questioned the DMK government about workers’ rights and caste issues even while supporting them from outside.
SubjectWho/What
the Congress’s critiques
The criticisms or complaints made by the Congress party.
VerbWhat is happening
have been
Have shown themselves to be.
ComplementCompletes meaning
opportunistic and ad hoc
Selfish and done without a proper plan, just to take advantage of a current situation.
AdjunctAdditional info
surfacing only after actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as an oppositional force
Appearing only after actor Vijay’s new party, the TVK, became a strong opponent in the state.
Context and Background
VCK and TVK in Tamil Nadu Politics
The VCK (Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi) and Left parties focus on social justice and workers’ rights, often protesting against their own ally, the DMK, to protect their core beliefs. Meanwhile, the TVK is a new party launched by popular actor Vijay, which aims to provide a major alternative to the DMK and AIADMK in the 2026 Assembly elections.
Sentence 10 of 13
English Original
If the Congress abandons the SPA for an alliance with the TVK,itwould standto lose the most,sacrificing a crucial INDIA ally that delivered the bloc its highest State tally in 2024.
If the Congress abandons the SPA for an alliance with the TVK
If the Congress party leaves the Secular Progressive Alliance to join actor Vijay’s new party instead.
SubjectWho/What
it
The Congress party.
VerbWhat is happening
would stand
Would be in a position.
ComplementCompletes meaning
to lose the most
To suffer the greatest loss or disadvantage.
AdjunctAdditional info
sacrificing a crucial INDIA ally that delivered the bloc its highest State tally in 2024
By losing a very important partner in the national opposition group (INDIA bloc) which gave the group its best result in any single state during the 2024 elections.
Context and Background
The INDIA Bloc
The INDIA bloc is the national coalition of opposition parties. Tamil Nadu was a shining star for this bloc in 2024, as the DMK-led alliance won every single one of the 39 parliamentary seats in the state, making it the most successful state for the opposition nationwide.
Sentence 11 of 13
English Original
A Congress exit from the SPAwill tightenthe contestby narrowing the gap between the DMK and the AIADMK (in alliance with the BJP),butmany traditional Congress voters, principally opposed to the BJP,are likely to gravitatetoward the DMK-led alliance rather than a tie-up with an untested and enigmatic force such as the TVK.
The situation (Congress leaving the DMK alliance).
VerbWhat is happening
would be
Would turn out to be.
ComplementCompletes meaning
a case of being pound-foolish and not even penny-wise
An example of being very stupid about big, important things and not even being smart about small things.
Sentence 13 of 13
English Original
The Congress leadershipwould do betterfocusing on alliance cohesion, and working towards resuscitating its moribund organisational structure,rather than rocking the boat in Tamil Nadu.
focusing on alliance cohesion, and working towards resuscitating its moribund organisational structure
Paying attention to keeping the group of parties together, and trying to bring new life to its dying local party organization.
AdjunctAdditional info
rather than rocking the boat in Tamil Nadu
Instead of causing trouble or upsetting a stable situation in Tamil Nadu.
Sentence 1 of 13
Sentence 1 of 13
At a time when the opposition to the BJP has become fragmented or weakened across India,the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Naduremainsthe most robust multi-party anti-BJP alliance,largely because of its ideological cohesion in a State with a distinct socio-political ethos and the seamless ability of its constituent parties to transfer votes to allies.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
At a time when the opposition to the BJP has become fragmented or weakened across India
During a period when the political parties against the BJP are divided or have lost their strength in many parts of the country.
Subject
the DMK-led Secular Progressive Alliance (SPA) in Tamil Nadu
The group of political parties in Tamil Nadu headed by the DMK party.
Verb
remains
Continues to be.
Complement
the most robust multi-party anti-BJP alliance
The strongest group made of several parties that is together against the BJP.
Adjunct
largely because of its ideological cohesion in a State with a distinct socio-political ethos and the seamless ability of its constituent parties to transfer votes to allies
Mainly because the parties have the same beliefs in a state with unique social and political values, and their supporters can easily vote for each other’s candidates.
Sentence 2 of 13
Yet,recent developments, where second-rung Congress leaders have either critiqued the DMK or demanded a direct share in power,have stretchedthe seams of the alliancedangerously to the brink of a fallout between the parties.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Yet
However (used to show a contrast with the previous statement).
Subject
recent developments, where second-rung Congress leaders have either critiqued the DMK or demanded a direct share in power
New things that happened recently, such as middle-level Congress leaders criticizing the DMK or asking for a role in the state government.
Verb
have stretched
Have pulled or pushed to the limit.
Object
the seams of the alliance
The connections or ‘stitches’ that hold the group of parties together.
Adjunct
dangerously to the brink of a fallout between the parties
In a risky way that brings them very close to breaking their partnership.
Sentence 3 of 13
The arrangement between the SPA’s partnershas beenclearfor over a decade — the DMK forms the government with their support, and the alliance benefits collectively in terms of representation at the Centre, State and local levels through vote transfers.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The arrangement between the SPA’s partners
The deal or agreement made between the different parties in the alliance.
Verb
has been
Has stayed or remained.
Complement
clear
Easy to understand and well-defined.
Adjunct
for over a decade — the DMK forms the government with their support, and the alliance benefits collectively in terms of representation at the Centre, State and local levels through vote transfers
For more than ten years, where the DMK makes the government in the state while all parties get their share of seats in the national and local levels by helping each other get votes.
Sentence 4 of 13
This arrangementhelpedthe Congressreap a good harvest of MPs from Tamil Nadu in the 2024 general election.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
This arrangement
This existing deal or partnership.
Verb
helped
Supported or made it possible for.
Object
the Congress
The Congress party.
Complement
reap a good harvest of MPs from Tamil Nadu in the 2024 general election
Get a large number of elected Members of Parliament from Tamil Nadu in the 2024 national elections.
Sentence 5 of 13
SowhyhaveMP Manickam Tagore and All India Professionals’ Congress president Praveen Chakravartybegun criticisingthe DMK,even after the high command asked them not to air such views publicly?
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
So why
For what reason then.
Subject
MP Manickam Tagore and All India Professionals’ Congress president Praveen Chakravarty
The two specific Congress leaders, Manickam Tagore (an MP) and Praveen Chakravarty (a wing president).
Verb
have begun criticising
Have started to point out faults or speak against.
Object
the DMK
The DMK party.
Adjunct
even after the high command asked them not to air such views publicly
In spite of the fact that the top leaders of the Congress party told them not to show these opinions to the public or media.
Sentence 6 of 13
The call for a share in powercould be seenas a bargaining ploy to contest more Assembly seats.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The call for a share in power
The demand by some leaders to have Congress ministers in the Tamil Nadu state government.
Verb
could be seen
Might be understood or interpreted.
Complement
as a bargaining ploy to contest more Assembly seats
As a smart trick or strategy in an argument to get more seats to fight in the state elections.
Sentence 7 of 13
But,the Congresssecureda far better strike rate in 2021 (18 of 25 seats) compared to 2016 (eight of 41),suggesting that this limitation was justifiable relative to its support base.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
But
However (used to show a different point of view).
Subject
the Congress
The Congress party.
Verb
secured
Got or achieved.
Object
a far better strike rate in 2021 (18 of 25 seats) compared to 2016 (eight of 41)
A much higher winning percentage in 2021 (winning 18 out of 25 seats) than in 2016 (winning only 8 out of 41 seats).
Adjunct
suggesting that this limitation was justifiable relative to its support base
Showing that giving them fewer seats was fair and right based on how many people actually support the party.
Sentence 8 of 13
Power-sharingwould beviableonly if the SPA contested on a jointly drafted common minimum programme, or if the Congress had substantively increased its support base in the State, necessitating accommodation.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
Power-sharing
An arrangement where multiple parties in an alliance have ministers in the government.
Verb
would be
Could be or might become.
Complement
viable
Possible and likely to work successfully.
Adjunct
only if the SPA contested on a jointly drafted common minimum programme, or if the Congress had substantively increased its support base in the State, necessitating accommodation
Only if the alliance fought the election with a shared plan of work, or if the Congress had grown much stronger in the state, making it necessary for the DMK to give them more power.
Sentence 9 of 13
Unlike the VCK or the Left, which have held the DMK-led government to account on issues of labour and caste discrimination despite outside support,the Congress’s critiqueshave beenopportunistic and ad hoc,surfacing only after actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as an oppositional force.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
Unlike the VCK or the Left, which have held the DMK-led government to account on issues of labour and caste discrimination despite outside support
Different from parties like the VCK or the Communists, who have questioned the DMK government about workers’ rights and caste issues even while supporting them from outside.
Subject
the Congress’s critiques
The criticisms or complaints made by the Congress party.
Verb
have been
Have shown themselves to be.
Complement
opportunistic and ad hoc
Selfish and done without a proper plan, just to take advantage of a current situation.
Adjunct
surfacing only after actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) has emerged as an oppositional force
Appearing only after actor Vijay’s new party, the TVK, became a strong opponent in the state.
Sentence 10 of 13
If the Congress abandons the SPA for an alliance with the TVK,itwould standto lose the most,sacrificing a crucial INDIA ally that delivered the bloc its highest State tally in 2024.
Phrase Breakdown
Adjunct
If the Congress abandons the SPA for an alliance with the TVK
If the Congress party leaves the Secular Progressive Alliance to join actor Vijay’s new party instead.
Subject
it
The Congress party.
Verb
would stand
Would be in a position.
Complement
to lose the most
To suffer the greatest loss or disadvantage.
Adjunct
sacrificing a crucial INDIA ally that delivered the bloc its highest State tally in 2024
By losing a very important partner in the national opposition group (INDIA bloc) which gave the group its best result in any single state during the 2024 elections.
Sentence 11 of 13
A Congress exit from the SPAwill tightenthe contestby narrowing the gap between the DMK and the AIADMK (in alliance with the BJP),butmany traditional Congress voters, principally opposed to the BJP,are likely to gravitatetoward the DMK-led alliance rather than a tie-up with an untested and enigmatic force such as the TVK.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
A Congress exit from the SPA
The act of the Congress party leaving the Secular Progressive Alliance.
Verb
will tighten
Will make more competitive or closer.
Object
the contest
The election competition.
Adjunct
by narrowing the gap between the DMK and the AIADMK (in alliance with the BJP)
By making the difference in power smaller between the DMK group and the AIADMK-BJP group.
Subject
many traditional Congress voters, principally opposed to the BJP
People who have always voted for Congress and are mainly against the BJP.
Verb
are likely to gravitate
Are expected to move or be drawn toward.
Adjunct
toward the DMK-led alliance rather than a tie-up with an untested and enigmatic force such as the TVK
Toward the DMK-led group instead of joining a new and mysterious party like the TVK that has never fought an election before.
Sentence 12 of 13
Itwould bea case of being pound-foolish and not even penny-wise.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
It
The situation (Congress leaving the DMK alliance).
Verb
would be
Would turn out to be.
Complement
a case of being pound-foolish and not even penny-wise
An example of being very stupid about big, important things and not even being smart about small things.
Sentence 13 of 13
The Congress leadershipwould do betterfocusing on alliance cohesion, and working towards resuscitating its moribund organisational structure,rather than rocking the boat in Tamil Nadu.
Phrase Breakdown
Subject
The Congress leadership
The top people in charge of the Congress party.
Verb
would do better
Should ideally or would find it more useful to.
Complement
focusing on alliance cohesion, and working towards resuscitating its moribund organisational structure
Paying attention to keeping the group of parties together, and trying to bring new life to its dying local party organization.
Adjunct
rather than rocking the boat in Tamil Nadu
Instead of causing trouble or upsetting a stable situation in Tamil Nadu.
Reading Comprehension
Practice questions based on this editorial
Reading Comprehension - Congress-DMK Alliance
Practice reading comprehension questions based on the editorial about the political dynamics between the Congress and DMK in Tamil Nadu.
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