New Delhi, June 19 -- On his 56th birthday, Leader of the Opposition (LoP) Rahul Gandhi took to social media to signal the continuation of a key political partnership, thanking Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and emphasising their "shared resolve" to protect democratic values.

The public message arrives at a sensitive juncture for the opposition bloc. While the DMK remains a cornerstone partner of the INDIA coalition, tensions have simmered following the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.

Although the Congress contested the polls as part of the DMK-led alliance, the alliance ultimately fell short of a majority. Following the results, the Congress extended support to the TVK, which emerged as the single largest party with 108 seat...