MK STALIN SET TO INVITE SONIA GANDHI FOR KARUNANIDHI'S STATUE UNVEILING

In a major boost for Opposition unity, DMK President MK Stalin will be visiting Delhi next week to invite former Congress President and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi for the unveiling of former DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi's statue in Chennai.

The meeting between the two leaders assumes significance in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Gandhi has reportedly confirmed her presence for the statue-unveiling ceremony.

"It is imperative that the DMK starts early and has all the alliances in place. Even though elections are few months away, you have to present a credible, alternative front to the people,” said RK Radhakrishnan, Associate Editor of Frontline.

“Once the nuances of seat sharing and the nuances of how to go about this election is ironed out, the Congress will have one state less to worry about as to how it is going forward and how to plan a strategy,” he added.

Stalin had earlier invited BJP chief Amit Shah for the public memorial meeting for former Tamil Nadu CM Karunanidhi. Union minister Nitin Gadkari had attended the event then. Congress leader Ghulam Nabi Azad had represented his party at the event.

However, it is interesting to note that the DMK has decided not to invite the BJP this time. On the other hand, invitations have been extended to the TDP, TMC, Trinamool Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, CPI and CPM. This is the second major show of Opposition strength being held under Stalin’s leadership.

*Originally published in News18*