Despite its shoddy performance in the recent assembly elections, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee seems to be determined to make full use of the unexpected momentum after two of its MLAs were inducted into the ruling Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)’s cabinet.
The party’s headquarters, Sathyamurthy Bhavan, is now uncharacteristically buzzing with activity as cadre and visitors are vying to meet the new president and two new ministers, who are trying to bridge the gap between the party cadre and the State government.
Minister for Higher Education, P. Viswanathan and Minister for Tourism S. Rajeshkumar are reportedly available on Wednesdays and Thursdays respectively in the evening to meet the party cadre.
Buoyed by the new found sheen, TNCC’s new president, Manickam Tagore, recently announced that the party will organise a week-long celebration of the birth anniversary of former Chief Minister and Congress leader, K. Kamaraj (July 13 to July 19) known for his integrity and simplicity in public life. With TVK leader and Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay’s pitching for a “corruption-free” governance model, the Congress is trying to lean on former CM Kamaraj’s legacy and turn this enthusiasm into a “people’s movement against corruption”.
The party has coined the slogan ‘Reject bribes, hold your head high’ and has been trying to place these slogans in public places, urging people to put their palm imprints on those placards to show their support. On Marina Beach in Chennai, the party showcased sand art of Congress leader Kamaraj to underline his legacy. The party will organise many such events in the coming months.
Mr. Tagore is reportedly giving more time to District Congress Committee presidents to air their views about how to rebuild the grand old party, which lost power in 1967 in Tamil Nadu.
A senior leader said, “Usually, DCC presidents meeting are often unproductive as previous TNCC presidents, who are part of the meeting, end up giving lengthy speeches. However, Mr. Tagore invited only the DCC presidents and patiently spoke to about 72 office bearers, from 11 am to 9 pm, showing that he is serious about rebuilding the party. Hopefully, he can keep up this momentum.”
Published - July 16, 2026 05:30 am IST