Tensions have surfaced between the Congress and the DMK after alliance talks were put on hold ahead of upcoming state elections. Congress leaders Karti Chidambaram and Manickam Tagore said the party has been ready for discussions, but alleged that the DMK is yet to form a panel for talks. Claiming a delay of over 36 days, the Congress questioned the reasons behind the hold-up, triggering a fresh political exchange between the two allies.