Now Reading: Akhilesh and Rahul launch Vaiko’s book, spark INDIA bloc row
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Akhilesh and Rahul launch Vaiko’s book, spark INDIA bloc row
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…
The Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
The book launch has predictably been framed as a story of hypocrisy or unity, depending on the outlet. But the real friction is inside the INDIA alliance, where DMK and Congress are allies yet snipe at each other through Vaiko. Vaiko's speeches criticising Congress are no secret, and Rahul's presence does not erase them. Watch whether DMK-Congress relations fray further when seat-sharing talks begin in Tamil Nadu.
Sources (2): indiatvnews.com, thefederal.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
