# Akhilesh and Rahul launch Vaiko’s book, spark INDIA bloc row 2026-08-06T14:27:54+00:00 | Politics | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets A book of parliamentary speeches by MDMK leader Vaiko, released in Delhi by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, has ignited a political row in Tamil Nadu. The volume, 'Vaiko in Parliament', was launched at the Constitution Club of India. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav received the first copy. A video of Vaiko's son Durai Vaiko cheering for Rahul went viral, drawing ridicule from the DMK and BJP. DMK leaders accuse Vaiko of hypocrisy, saying he spent decades calling the Congress anti-Tamil before inviting its leaders to launch his book. BJP leaders echoed the charge. Vaiko had visited Rahul to extend the invitation; Rahul said he could not refuse. Akhilesh recalled Vaiko's advocacy for federal principles. The event included leaders across the INDIA bloc, exposing internal tensions ahead of elections. ## Coverage - indiatvnews.com - thefederal.com Tags: Akhilesh Yadav, politics, Samajwadi Party, Vaiko Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/akhilesh-yadavs-english-praise-for-vaiko-goes-viral/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/akhilesh-yadavs-english-praise-for-vaiko-goes-viral/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.