Confident of acceptance for Rahul Gandhi for PM: Stalin

DMK leader MK Stalin stood by his endorsement of Congress president Rahul Gandhi as the prime ministerial candidate for the upcoming parliamentary polls, days after his declaration of support appeared to rouse questions over the need for such a move amid uncertain alliance equations ahead of polls.

Stalin told reporters after a party meet of lawmakers and parliamentarians on strategy for polls that he was confident that doubts expressed within the prospective alliance partners about Gandhi’s candidacy are likely to abate as the country moves closer to polls.

“What I have expressed is not a personal wish; it is the emotion of the DMK. For those who have concerns, it is about the timing of the endorsement. I am confident that the people who have concerns will whole-heartedly accept his candidacy,” Stalin said, in a reiteration of his stand on Rahul Gandhi’s candidacy over the past two days.


For political observers, Stalin’s repeated endorsement appears to be a calculated move. “It seems to be a well thought-out strategy. Stalin seems wanting to send out a clear message to minorities in TN that he is not ambivalent about it towards BJP, post-poll. Repeating 96 post-poll is one thing, but planning for a Third Front in advance doesn’t go down well will TN voters,” N Sathiya Moorthy, a political observer, said.