Nuke deal: TN CM says Sonia, PM have shown acumen in politics

Chennai, Oct 13 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today said Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress President Sonia Gandhi had shown profound understanding of politics in their handling of the Indo-US nuclear deal issue, which would go a long way in improving the country's political atmosphere.

In separate letters to Ms Gandhi and Dr Singh, the DMK leader, whose party is a key constituent of the Congress-led UPA Government at the Centre, congratulated them for their comments in the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit held yesterday in New Delhi.

In his letter to Ms Gandhi, he said that he read her speech in the Summit with great interest. Her vibrant words that ''dharma of coalition is to work together, try and understand and accommodate each other's view'' spoke volumes of her profound understanding of politics, he said.

''The constructive and practical approach to the problems being developed and introduced by you will go a long way in improving the country's political atmosphere'', Mr Karunanidhi said adding ''I am extremely happy over your response and convey my hearty congratulations''.

In his letter to Dr Singh, Mr Karunanidhi said ''Your scholarly response to questions yesterday is really extraordinary and remarkable.

''Your words, 'we are not a one-issue Government. We have made changes in various areas...but in life one has to take certain disappointments and move on to the next..if the deal (Indo-US nuclear deal) does not come through, that is not the end of life...

In politics, we must survive short-term battles to address long-term concerns', epitomise the whole of your experience in politics and in various other spheres of activity'', the DMK leader said, adding that he was able to see Dr Singh's inner conscience through these pregnant words. ''I wholeheartedly congratulate you for these learned words'', he said.

UNI