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Congress concedes differences with DMK

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The Congress on Friday conceded differences with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam on Lord Ram but pointed out that the latter was only reiterating its stated position on the issue.

Replying to questions on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi’s statements on Ram, Congress spokesman Abhishek Singhvi reiterated his party’s position that nothing should be said to hurt the sentiments of any section of society.

Asked whether there was a difference of opinion within the United Progressive Alliance on this issue, Mr. Singhvi said: “It is obvious that the Congress stand is different from that of some of its allies.” At the same time, he pointed out that this would not be the first time that a coalition faced divergent views within.

On the political fallout of Mr. Karunanidhi’s statements, the spokesman was unwilling to comment.

The Chief Minister’s comments had generated a considerable degree of unease within the Congress. While senior leaders insisted that Mr. Karunanidhi was only reiterating an established stand of the DMK, there is a growing fear that the Congress would have to bear the brunt of his statements.

“Just as a man is known by the company he keeps, so also will the Congress have to deal with the fallout of our alliance with the DMK,” said a senior leader.

And, coming as this controversy does at a time when there is talk of a mid-term election, the Congress is hoping that it dies down soon; particularly given the adverse effect it could have in the Hindi heartland.

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