'Traded Trust For Berths': DMK Hits Back At Rahul's 'Ettappan' Jibe As Delimitation Rift Widens

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

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.

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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.

The DMK, however, has maintained that it will decide its position only after examining the contents of the proposed Bill. The party has repeatedly asserted that any delimitation exercise must not undermine the political representation or interests of southern states.

Rahul Gandhi’s remarks are also being seen as an acknowledgement within the Opposition that the DMK could revisit its stance if the legislation returns to Parliament.

Fresh Swipe At Gandhi

Maran did not stop at the delimitation issue, launching a broader attack on the Congress leader’s political messaging in Tamil Nadu.

“Those who come to Tamil Nadu and stay silent about Cauvery rights are traitors. Those who only talk about irregularities in the exam, rather than insisting on completely abolishing NEET are traitors. Those who condemn BJP’s horse-trading but ignore TVK’s disgusting horse-trading are merely continuing that betrayal," he said.

The sharp exchange signals growing strains between two former allies and could complicate opposition unity ahead of future parliamentary battles, particularly if the Centre revives the contentious delimitation proposal.

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