Rahul reaffirms ties with Stalin despite Congress-DMK rift in Tamil Nadu

Evan after the two parties parted ways in Tamil Nadu, with the Congress deciding to extend support to the TVK after it emerged as the single largest party in the state in the last Assembly elections and the DMK boycotting the last INDIA bloc meeting in protest against the grand old party’s actions, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday (June 19) vowed to continue the “shared resolve” between him and DMK chief MK Stalin to protect the country’s democracy.

Olive branch to Stalin

"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,” stated Rahul.

Also Read: 'Congress hurried, and looked power-hungry in Tamil Nadu'

The Congress MP made the remarks in a post on X in response to Stalin’s birthday wish, adding that they will keep waging the fight “together” for the “very soul” of Indian democracy till they succeed in their struggle.

The development comes at a time when the relationship between the two parties, which were long-term allies in Tamil Nadu, has nosedived after the Congress extended support to the Vijay-led TVK, helping it form the government.

From allies to rivals

The Congress leadership in the state have claimed credit for the DMK’s earlier electoral performance, arguing that it got the support of Muslims for being a Congress ally.

Also Read: DMK boycott clouds INDIA bloc’s future as rift with Congress widens

The DMK, on its part, has recently taken pot shots at Rahul, with the party’s IT wing dubbing him “a massive joke” adding that it was the DMK which carried the Congress “on our shoulders” when the party was fighting for its “political survival” but it switched sides after seeing a “shiny new toy”. DMK’s mouthpiece Murasoli accused Rahul of fuelling divisions among Opposition parties.

DMK's sharp counterattack

Interestingly, the Congress MP also stated that he and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay “remain united” in their commitment to the Constitution and safeguarding democracy.

Also Read: DMK steps up attack on Rahul Gandhi, accuses him of weakening INDIA bloc unity

“Thank you, Thiru Vijay, for your warm wishes. We remain united in our commitment to the Constitution and to strengthening our democracy - and together, we will keep working for the welfare, dignity, and aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu,” stated Rahul.

Warm words for Vijay

Interestingly, the Congress MP also stated that he and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay “remain united” in their commitment to the Constitution and safeguarding democracy.

“Thank you, Thiru Vijay, for your warm wishes. We remain united in our commitment to the Constitution and to strengthening our democracy - and together, we will keep working for the welfare, dignity, and aspirations of the people of Tamil Nadu,” stated Rahul.