TVK govt allocates Rajya Sabha seat to Congress, Praveen Chakrabarty likely to get nominated

Chennai: Signalling a strengthening of ties between TVK and Congress, chief minister C Joseph Vijay allocated the lone Rajya Sabha seat which has fallen vacant in Tamil Nadu to the national party on Wednesday. Congress sources said AICC functionary Praveen Chakravarty is likely to be nominated for Rajya Sabha by the party.

The announcement from Vijay allotting the seat to Congress came shortly after AICC in-charge for Tamil Nadu Girish Chodankar met Vijay. “Vijay has proved that he is a man of his word. By honouring his commitment and standing firmly by his promise, he has demonstrated principled leadership, political integrity and respect for alliance partners. This decision reinforces faith in coalition politics based on trust and mutual respect,” Chodankar said. A day ago, former Union finance minister P Chidambaram also called on Vijay at the secretariat.

Congress sources said allotment of RS seat was part of the post poll pact between the two parties when the five MLAs of Congress decided to support TVK govt immediately after the assembly election results. Congress had also decided on nominating Praveen Chakravarty in the RS seat whenever the elections happen, said Congress sources. While Praveen Chakravarty was close to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, he was also enjoying a good rapport with Vijay, said Congress men.

TNCC president K Selvaperunthagai told TOI that the official announcement on his party’s Rajya Sabha candidate will be made by AICC.

The AICC in-charge said that allocating the seat to Congress reflects coalition ethics. “This generous gesture reflects a deep commitment to coalition dharma (ethics), mutual respect among alliance partners, and the larger objective of strengthening democratic values. It sends a strong message that political cooperation can be built on trust, understanding and a shared vision for the people,” Chodankar said, who also added that this further strengthened the ties between Vijay and Congress leader of the opposition for Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.

The vacancy for the Rajya Sabha seat arose after former AIADMK MP C Ve Shanmugam resigned from the post as he won in the assembly election.

The last date for filing nomination is on June 8, and the nominations will be scrutinised on June 9. The last day for withdrawing nomination is on June 11, and the election is scheduled on June 18.