TNCC chief denies political motives behind Rahul’s visit

Participating in a television debate, Natchiappan accused the BJP government at the Centre of trying to exploit the prevailing political situation in Tamil Nadu and said the Congress party would support the AIADMK regime and prevent any attempt made by the BJP led Centre to topple the AIADMK government.

Recalling the political turmoil in Congress ruled Arunachal Pradesh earlier, Natchiappan said the Congress was affected in the norther eastern state and they would not let it happen in Tamil Nadu, even as his party continues its civic election partnership with the DMK. 

Notably, the comment of the MP close to AICC did not go well his own party men here. “How will the DMK men work with us in local body election, whenever they happen, if one of our leaders offers support to rival AIADMK? If the incumbent government falls, only DMK and we would stand to gain. This is an irresponsible statement,” remarked a senior leader TNCC leader requesting anonymity. 

Though one has to agree that Rahul’s visit was a good political gesture, equally important is the political undertone involved in it, more so if one considers the fact that the Congress vice president did not extend the same courtesy to DMK president M Karunanidhi when he was convalescing at a private hospital earlier. When asked, TNCC president Su Thirunavukkarasar said, “There is no politics involved in Rahul Gandhi’s visit. It is a personal visit. I was informed about it, but not asked to make it a party event.” Asked about Rahul not visiting Karunanidhi, the TNCC chief said, “This time he visited the Chief Minister. I don’t want to comment anything about the past.”