The Indian National Congress (INC) is one of the oldest and major national political parties in India with a significant presence in Tamil Nadu through its state unit, the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC). The INC dominated Tamil Nadu politics for the first two decades following India's independence, playing a crucial role in the state's development and governance until 1967, when the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) rose to power, ending Congress's stronghold.
K. Kamaraj, a legendary leader from Tamil Nadu, was highly influential within the INC and Indian politics at large. He helped shape the political landscape by mentoring other leaders and steering Congress through critical periods. The party's decline in Tamil Nadu was marked by internal factionalism and the rise of regional Dravidian parties that emphasized Tamil identity and social justice over national politics. Despite setbacks, INC has formed alliances with parties such as DMK and PMK to maintain political relevance in the state.
Historically, INC in Tamil Nadu engaged in the freedom struggle led by national leaders while facing challenges from regional forces and evolving political sentiments emphasizing linguistic and social identities. Today, it continues to be a significant political force in the state, contesting elections and aligning with other parties to influence governance.