Congress' support for Joseph Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) in Tamil Nadu has stirred significant tensions within the opposition alliance, particularly with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). As both major Dravidian parties fell short of the required 118 seats, Congress quickly expressed its backing for TVK, surprising DMK leaders. This move indicates Congress' ambition to play a pivotal role in government formation, potentially sidelining the broader opposition coalition known as INDIA, which was formed to counter the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the national level. DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai criticized Congress for its actions, labeling them as 'backstabbers' and questioning the decision-making process within the party. The partnership between Congress and TVK may reshape the dynamics of the opposition alliance, as Congress seeks to establish itself as a significant player in Tamil Nadu politics, moving away from its reliance on DMK. Vijay's leadership could introduce a new model of 'secular regionalism', providing a template for other states facing stagnation among traditional regional parties.