Alagiri slams Kamal’s attack on DMK

Clarifying that he had invited Kamal to the secular DMK-Congress alliance only with the good intention that the anti-BJP and anti-AIADMK votes should not be split, Alagiri, in a statement issued on Sunday, said that it was not brought to his knowledge at the time of making the statement in New Delhi that he had adversely criticised the DMK.  

Remarking that the adverse remarks would only help the BJP and not serve the principles he claims to follow, Alagiri said, “I strongly condemn Kamal for unnecessarily criticising the DMK.” He also added that the secular front comprising Congress and led by the DMK would only decide the issue of admitting any party to the fold.

The clarification comes after Alagiri’s appeal to Kamal caused an embarrassment to the DMK and Congress ahead of the seat sharing talks.  Alagiri had started on the wrong foot by making an untimely appeal to Kamal, which drew the DMK’s displeasure. If sources in the Congress are to be believed, the clarification was prompted by Congress leaders to safeguard the ties with the DMK.