'Traded Trust For Berths': DMK Hits Back At Rahul's 'Ettappan' Jibe As Delimitation Rift Widens
'Traded Trust For Berths': DMK Hits Back At Rahul's 'Ettappan' Jibe As Delimitation Rift Widens Published By, Last Updated: August 03, 2026, 10:43 IST DMK's
'Traded Trust For Berths': DMK Hits Back At Rahul's 'Ettappan' Jibe As Delimitation Rift Widens Published By, Last Updated: August 03, 2026, 10:43 IST DMK's Dayanidhi Maran likened the Congress leadership to 'poisonous snakes', reflecting the simmering resentment within the Dravidian party over Congress's political volte-face Rapid Read DMK's Dayanidhi Maran (left) and Rahul Gandhi. The war of words between the DMK and Congress has taken a fresh turn after senior DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran launched a sharp attack on Rahul Gandhi over his remarks on the proposed delimitation exercise, accusing the Congress of “trading" Tamil Nadu’s trust for political power. The exchange comes amid speculation that the Centre may revive the Constitution amendment bill to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha and redraw parliamentary constituencies. While the Bill was defeated during the last Parliament session, political circles are abuzz with suggestions that the DMK could soften its stand if the legislation is brought back. During his visit to Tamil Nadu on Saturday, Rahul Gandhi had warned that any party backing the proposed constitutional amendment would be a “21st century Ettappan", invoking the name of the historical figure synonymous with betrayal in Tamil history.
ALSO READ | Vijay In, Stalin Out: Why Rahul Gandhi ‘Whistled’ A Different Tune In Tamil Nadu Responding to the Congress leader’s remarks, Dayanidhi Maran accused the national party of betraying the DMK after years of political partnership. “These are the people who traded our trust in them for mere ministerial berths," Maran said, taking aim at the Congress over its decision to part ways with the DMK and align with rival parties. In an even sharper attack, Maran likened the Congress leadership to “poisonous snakes" that sell trust to “buy" power, reflecting the simmering resentment within the Dravidian party over what it sees as the Congress’s political volte-face after benefiting from the DMK’s support on key national issues, including Rahul Gandhi’s leadership. Maran’s remarks point to the lingering bitterness within the DMK over Congress’s decision to sever ties despite contesting elections as allies and enjoying the regional party’s backing on several national political issues. The Delimitation Controversy The latest confrontation also highlights growing political calculations over the proposed delimitation exercise. The BJP is understood to be hopeful that the widening rift between the DMK and Congress could help the ruling alliance secure support for key legislative measures, including the proposed delimitation bill, although the Centre has not officially moved to reintroduce the legislation.
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