• Source:JND

DMK-Congress Ties: Rahul Gandhi’s 56th birthday brought an ice-breaking moment in the strained relationship between the Congress party and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), which has been going through a turbulent phase since Congress joined the TVK-led alliance in Tamil Nadu. On Friday, DMK chief and former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin extended birthday greetings to the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha.

“Birthday greetings to Hon'ble Leader of Opposition Thiru. @RahulGandhi. Wishing you good health and happiness,” Stalin's X post read.

ALSO READ: INDIA Bloc Meeting Clouded By Disputes; AAP, DMK Skip June 8 Huddle, CPI-M Seeks Reply On Rahul Gandhi's Remarks

Gandhi's Response To Stalin Had A Political Message

Gandhi's response to Stalin's greeting was not just a customary reply, but it offered a political olive branch to an ally who was upset with a friend due to political developments in the state.

"Thank you, Thiru M.K. Stalin, for your warm wishes. Our shared resolve to defend the idea of India, our Constitution, and federalism will continue to guide us - this is the fight for the very soul of our democracy, and we will wage it together, until we win," Congress leader's reply read. Mentioning the fight for democracy and Constituency is seen as an attempt to patch up with the ally, who skipped the recently held INDIA Bloc meet, and officially severed ties with Congress.

ALSO READ: 'No One Lives With A Wife Who Runs Away': DMK Jabs Congress, Rules Out Future Alliance

Why Is Patch Up Significant?

The development is politically crucial as Stalin and Gandhi share a very good rapport, but post-Tamil Nadu elections, they went incommunicado due to Congress' support for Vijay's TVK. If the duo continues to communicate in the coming days, the ice would melt, and the DMK may return to the INDIA bloc. If the breakthrough translated into a patch-up, it would be a big jolt for the ruling NDA, as it was hoping that a thin INDIA bloc would help the government in passing key bills in the Parliament.

Tamil Nadu Congress Leader Jothimani Asks DMK To Stop Targeting Gandhi

Earlier on June 17, slamming DMK's Tamil mouthpiece 'Murasoli' for targeting Gandhi, Karur MP Jothimani said her party's silence must not be mistaken for weakness. Speaking to reporters, Jothimani said the strong attack on Gandhi by the DMK's daily was not acceptable.

The DMK's Tamil daily strongly criticised Congress, alleging it had been backstabbed by the party with Gandhi's blessings in the Tamil Nadu assembly bypolls on April 23, and mocked him for lecturing on unity at a recent INDIA bloc meeting.

(With PTI inputs)


Also In News