Rahul Gandhi, the recently-elected vice-president of the Congress, has written to DMK president M. Karunanidhi seeking his “wisdom, counsel and support,” in fulfilling his new responsibilities.
The gesture put an end to speculation that Mr. Gandhi’s elevation in the Congress would not augur well for its relationship with the DMK, especially in the context of the hard bargaining he had made during seat-sharing negotiations for the 2011 Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu.
Unlike many Congress seniors, who never miss an opportunity to meet Mr. Karunanidhi while visiting Chennai, Mr. Gandhi did not call on him while he was in the city.
Though Mr. Karunanidhi congratulated Mr. Gandhi on his elevation, there was a no response from Mr. Gandhi for a few days. Now, in a letter dated February 6, he has acknowledged the greetings. “I am writing to thank you for your gracious words and sentiments upon my assuming new responsibilities in the Congress party,” Mr. Gandhi stated.