Karur, June 18:
S. Jothimani on Wednesday issued a strong warning to the DMK over repeated criticism of Rahul Gandhi in the party mouthpiece Murasoli, stating that Congress cadres “know how to respond” if provoked further.
Addressing reporters in Karur, the Congress MP said the party has exercised restraint to maintain political dignity, but cautioned the DMK against misinterpreting that silence as weakness. “We are not cowards. Don’t take advantage of our silence,” she said, adding that Congress too can respond strongly if needed.
Jothimani also noted that Congress welcomed the Tamil Nadu government’s white paper on state finances, which clarified that debt levels remained within limits set by the Union government and could be managed through taxation. However, she pointed out that key sectors such as power distribution and transport continue to operate at a loss and expressed hope that the current government would address these issues.
Recalling past ties, she said both DMK and Congress had supported each other during difficult times, but political circumstances had since led to their separation. Criticising the continued attacks on Rahul Gandhi, she said it was unfair to target him after electoral setbacks.
She urged Murasoli to maintain political decorum and refrain from personal criticism, while also calling on Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam to join the INDIA bloc in the interest of the state.