Virudhunagar MP Manickam Tagore has claimed that the Congress party's exit from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) alliance was prompted by the DMK's intention to ally with its long-time rival, the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK). In a recent social media post, Tagore criticized this unexpected partnership, suggesting that it was not in the interest of Tamil Nadu or secularism but rather a strategic maneuver to maintain political power. He accused the DMK of acting against its principles by joining forces with the AIADMK, which he labeled as the “B” Team of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Tagore defended Congress's decision to withdraw from the alliance, questioning the DMK's integrity and calling for transparency regarding their motives.