DMK president and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on Monday (October 27, 2025) said his friendship with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was shaped by the motto that “the interest of the country prevails over individuals.”
He said the understanding between the DMK and the Congress and their relationship shaped by ideology would protect the future of India, and “there was no doubt about it.”
Mr. Stalin’s speech at the family wedding of former Congress MLA R. Chokkar has reinforced the alliance between the DMK and the Congress ahead of the Assembly election next year, even as some Congress leaders had made demands for more seats and a share in power.
The Chief Minister said though the DMK and the Congress had travelled on different paths in the past, they were now journeying together on a path dedicated to the interest of the nation, the development of Tamil Nadu, and above all, the unity of the nation.
Mr. Stalin said he had no words to describe the affection shown to him by Mr. Gandhi.
“While addressing other leaders, I do not call them my brother. But I always refer to Rahul Gandhi as my brother, because he always calls me his elder brother, even when he speaks to me over the phone. I cannot forget that affection. I am saying this because our political friendship has strengthened to become the voice of India. We expect the same feeling from all of you,” he said.
Mr. Stalin also used the occasion to recall the friendship between Mr. Chokkar and former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and their interactions in the State Assembly. “I am a witness to his speeches raising the demands of the people of his constituency,” he said.