Though AICC vice-president Mr. Rahul Gandhi greeting
Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder Mr. Vijayakant on his birthday [Aug
25, 2013] is seen as an important development, Congress leaders in the State
refuse to read more into it, saying the situation is still in a flux to talk
about alliance.
An AICC secretary from the
State said that, today, in Tamil Nadu, both the Congress and the DMK are almost
in the same position. While the DMDK, which has consolidated anti-Dravidian
forces to certain extent, has succeeded in establishing itself as a force to
reckon with, the Congress could not do it because it never capitalised the anti-Dravidian
sentiments in the State.
Besides Mr. Rahul Gandhi, AICC
general secretary Mukul Wasnik, TNCC president B.S. Gnanadesikan, Union
Ministers G.K. Vasan and E.M. Sudarsan Natchiappan were among those who wished
the DMDK leader on his birthday.
The Congress secretary said
Mr. Gandhi and Vijayakant established contacts after the DMDK sought the
support of the Congress for its candidate in the Rajya Sabha polls. But, finally,
Congress decided to support DMK candidate Ms. Kanimozhi. This goes to prove
that our party would rely on either of the Dravidian parties when it comes to
Lok Sabha polls.
Another Congress leader dismissed
the argument that Mr. Rahul Gandhi’s birthday message to Mr. Vijayakant assumed
significance because he never greeted DMK president M. Karunanidhi or called on
him during his visit to Tamil Nadu. He pointed out that on the occasion of Mr. Karunanidhi’s
birthday, Congress president Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
greeted him every time.
Despite displaying themselves
as friendly towards the DMDK, the Congress leaders say it is “too early” to
come to the conclusion on the alliance as it is not clear whether Mr. Vijayakant
would agree to be a constituent of the front that includes the DMK.
Congress
sources said that, they want to form a broad alliance. But, also feel enthused
by the Congress’ performance in the Lok Sabha by-elections in Karnataka and the
changed attitude of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa towards the Food
Security Bill. Though there are ifs and buts in her stand, this is for the
first time that she is seen to be favourably disposed towards Congress party.
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