DMK’s Kanimozhi only opposition MP at Speaker’s tea meet

DMK Lok Sabha member Kanimozhi Karunanidhi was the only opposition leader to attend a tea meeting hosted by Speaker Om Birla after Parliament's Monsoon Session ended on Thursday. The rest of the INDIA bloc stayed away, sparking speculation that the DMK may be recalibrating its equation with the BJP.

Chennai-based analyst Peer Mohamed told The Federal that Kanimozhi's attendance signals the DMK wants to be seen as strategically closer to the BJP, though a formal alliance is unlikely soon. He said the party's real challenge now is countering actor-politician Vijay's rising mass appeal, not opposing Modi, as anti-BJP sentiment in Tamil Nadu is already deep enough. The DMK, he added, may also be using the proximity to pressure the state government.

The DMK maintains its position on the delimitation bill has not softened. Mohamed said Chief Minister M K Stalin has consistently called for fair delimitation and backed an Assembly resolution to keep Lok Sabha seats unchanged. Kanimozhi's stock within the party is rising, reflecting a generational push for younger and women leaders.