A DMK senior who did not wish to be named said, “In 2011, all of us lost. We agree. But 2016 was different. They had also suffered a split after that. How will an alliance win if one of the allies wins only 20 per cent seats or less while the rest do well? They did it to us in 2016. Subsequently, it happened to Akilesh in UP and Sharad Pawar-led NCP in Maharashtra. Tejashwi Yadav is only the latest casualty of Congress. They seem to create a history in pulling down allies. We are quite certain not to repeat 2016 mistake.”

“Even Congress leaders here are aware that the scenario is different in 2021. At least four new parties have joined us. Congress leaders here know that we cannot be generous like we were in 2016. They must be ready to reduce their seat tally by 50 per cent or more, as will be necessary next year. We cannot leave anything to chance,” the leader added, predicting that they were not willing to apportion 20 or more to Congress this time.

Sivagangai MP Karti P Chidambaram responded to Tweets cautioning Stalin about the “Congress effect” and said the party was a multiplier here.“Each state election is independent of another state. Like sets in Tennis. In Tamil Nadu, the @INCIndia is a multiplier and not a mere addition. Ignoring or dismissing this fact will not be prudent,” Karti tweeted.