Kanimozhi Reiterates Cordial Cong–DMK Ties

Thoothukudi:DMK MP Kanimozhi on Friday said the Congress and DMK continued to share a long-standing and cordial relationship, brushing aside criticism over her recent meeting with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Speaking to reporters at Thoothukudi airport, she said Parliament was in session in Delhi and there was nothing unusual about meeting an alliance leader there.

“Parliament is in Delhi. Where else can one meet Rahul Gandhi? When Parliament is in session, what is wrong in meeting an alliance leader,” she asked.

In a swipe at AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami, Kanimozhi said she had met Rahul Gandhi openly and had not gone with her face covered, adding that there was nothing to hide about the interaction.

Commenting on the Union Budget to be presented on Sunday, she expressed a lack of faith in the Union finance minister allocating adequate funds for Tamil Nadu. She said while allocations might fall short, the names of Tamil Nadu and West Bengal were likely to be mentioned prominently in the Budget as Assembly elections were around the corner in the two states.

On alliance prospects, Kanimozhi said there was a possibility of more parties joining the front, but declined to comment on whether talks were under way with DMDK general secretary Premalatha Vijayakant. She said if alliances with new parties were finalised, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin would make an official announcement.

Referring to the preparation of the election manifesto, she said the party was currently meeting people and collecting public demands and suggestions, which would be consolidated and assessed for inclusion, based on feasibility and scope for implementation.

Brushing aside the outcome of some of the pre-poll surveys that projected the DMK-led alliance trailing the AIADMK, Kanimozhi said irrespective of survey findings, people were well aware of who fulfilled electoral promises.

She said the Chief Minister not only laid foundation stones for projects but also ensured their completion and attended their inauguration.

Referring to the VinFast project, she said Stalin had been present at its foundation stone-laying ceremony and, later, the first car roll-out event within 18 months, underscoring the government’s consistent record in executing its commitments.