CHENNAI: Expressing strong dissent over Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi’s efforts to build a good rapport with the AIADMK, senior Congress leader Peter Alphonse cautioned Rahul not to lose the DMK’s friendship. In an e-mail sent to Rahul Gandhi, the Congress leader asserted that the BJP had already brought the AIADMK under its control after the demise of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa. Under such a situation, the Congress woul only lose the DMK’s relationship if it goes in pursuit of the AIADMK.
He said Rahul Gandhi’s failure to visit the DMK leader who is a veteran politician of India had caused great resentment and anxiety in the DMK and added that Rahul should come to Chennai soon to meet Karunanidhi in person and enquire about his health. The Congress vice president visited Jayalalithaa when she was being treated in Apollo Hosptial, but did not care to call on alliance leader Karunanidhi. Later, Rahul Gandhi, who visited the city to pay homage to the departed AIADMK leader, ignored Karunanidhi who was getting treatment in Kauvery Hospital at that time.
Rahul’s conduct had led to strains in the DMK-Congress alliance and the national party appears to be moving towards the AIADMK after S. Thirunavukkarasar took charge as TNCC president. During the tenure of former TNCC president E.V.K.S. Elangovan, the Congress leaders were strongly criticising the state government. But, Thirunavukkarasar, TNCC chief is focusing his attacks on the Central government alone and is not maintaining cordial ties with the DMK.
After a brief period, when Congress needed the DMK support in the Puducherry elections, Thirunavukakarasar did not make statements in support of the DMK. He had already asked Congress functionaries to be prepared to go alone in the local body elections.
