The Congress MP raised concerns over representation, worker morale and leadership decisions, saying long-time party members have been overlooked in key constituencies.
File image: Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Congress MP S Jothimani at the Parliament House premises (Photo: IANS)
Congress MP Jothimani on Friday openly criticised her party’s latest list of candidates, saying it has left many long-time workers disappointed and sidelined.
In a detailed post, she said that while giving another chance to 12 sitting MLAs was understandable, the rest of the selections have caused resentment among party cadres across constituencies.
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The remarks come at a time when ticket distribution in Tamil Nadu has triggered internal discontent, with leaders and workers questioning the choices made by the party leadership.
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Jothimani said candidates appeared to have secured constituencies in advance, leaving little room for others. She expressed concern that many experienced leaders, some with decades of service and strong public support, were overlooked.
According to her, newer entrants to the party were given opportunities despite having limited experience on the ground. This, she said, has unsettled workers who have been associated with the party for 20 to 30 years.
The MP also raised concerns about representation in the Kongu region, where she said key communities such as the Kongu Vellala Gounder and Arunthathiyar groups were largely ignored in candidate selection. She described this as unprecedented in the state’s political history.
காங்கிரஸ் கட்சியின் வேட்பாளர் பட்டியலில் 12 சட்டமன்ற உறுப்பினர்களுக்கு மீண்டும் வாய்ப்பளிக்கபட்டுள்ளதை வரவேற்கிறேன். அதே நேரத்தில் மீதமுள்ள தொகுதிகளில் காங்கிரஸ் கட்சித் தொண்டர்களின் மனக்குமுறலையும், கொந்தளிப்பையும் என்னால் புரிந்துகொள்ள முடிகிறது.
வேட்பாளர்கள் முன்பே… pic.twitter.com/2yC8pQ5reG
— Jothimani (@jothims) April 3, 2026
She questioned why Congress had not given space to dominant communities in the region despite their electoral presence. She also noted that only two women were included in the list.
According to Jothimani, these decisions go against the party’s commitment to social justice and the political line advocated by Rahul Gandhi.
She further alleged that leaders of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee appeared disconnected from ground realities and the sentiments of party workers. She said every worker has the right to oppose the list, calling it part of the party’s democratic culture.
Reflecting on her own journey, Jothimani said she has worked with emotional commitment for nearly three decades, especially during difficult phases. “For the first time, I feel deeply alienated,” she said.
She added that she would speak in detail on the issue after voting concludes, but for now extended support to party workers who feel disheartened, praising their loyalty over the years.
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