Rahul Gandhi Advocates for Power-Sharing Model in Tamil Nadu
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has openly endorsed the concept of power sharing in Tamil Nadu. This development emerged during his recent visit to Gudalur on Tuesday. Two senior Congress functionaries confirmed this information to TOI.
Casual Conversation Sparks Political Discussion
Rahul Gandhi reportedly raised this significant matter during a casual conversation with Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K Selvaperunthagai. The discussion took place in the presence of Nilgiris MP A Raja from the DMK. According to sources, Raja responded by stating that Chief Minister and DMK supremo M K Stalin would make the final decision on this proposal.
TOI could not independently verify these details with Raja. However, the conversation has created ripples in Tamil Nadu political circles.
Rahul Gandhi Questions DMK's Reluctance
A Congress politician familiar with the exchange revealed Rahul Gandhi's perspective. "Rahul wondered why DMK was not accepting the idea of power-sharing," the source explained. The Congress leader pointed to existing examples in Indian politics.
He specifically mentioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi's acceptance of power-sharing arrangements at the central level. Rahul Gandhi also referenced N Chandrababu Naidu's implementation of similar models in Andhra Pradesh.
Historical Context and Current Demands
The Congress leader reminded those present about historical support. He recalled the "unconditional" support Congress extended to M Karunanidhi in 2006. At that time, DMK had only 96 MLAs and lacked the majority needed to form a government.
Another source from the All India Congress Committee provided additional context. This AICC member indicated Rahul Gandhi expressed dissatisfaction with DMK's silence on Congress's recent demand. The demand specifically involves three cabinet berths for Congress representatives.
TOI had reported this cabinet berth demand last week. The ongoing silence from DMK leadership appears to have prompted Rahul Gandhi's direct intervention.
Direct Instructions and Travel Details
According to the AICC source, Rahul Gandhi gave clear instructions during the conversation. He reportedly directed TNCC president Selvaperunthagai to actively convince DMK leadership about the power-sharing proposal.
Raja, who witnessed this exchange, reiterated that his "Thalaivar" (Stalin) would ultimately decide on the matter. This Tamil term of respect for leader emphasized the decision-making hierarchy within DMK.
The political discussions occurred during Rahul Gandhi's travel arrangements. After attending an event at a Gudalur school on Tuesday, the Congress leader traveled to the helipad by car. His companions included A Raja, K Selvaperunthagai, and AICC member Girish Chodankar.
This journey provided the setting for the significant political conversation about Tamil Nadu's power dynamics. The discussion reflects ongoing negotiations between alliance partners in the state.
