Rare show of unity as new TNCC chief takes office

Chennai, Jul 9 (UNI) In a rare show of unity, leaders of different factions of the Congress in Tamil Nadu came together at the party headquarters today, as newly-appointed TNCC President K V Thankgabalu assumed office.

Union Ministers P Chidambaram and G K Vasan, Party Spokesperson Jayanthi Natarajan, Outgoing TNCC President M Krishnasamy, Congress Legislature Party Leader D Sudarsanam and Mr C Gnanadesikan, who was in the race for the post, were among those present.

After they extended their wishes by presenting him shawls, Mr Thankgabalu said his first priority was to ensure there was no factionalism in the Pradesh Congress.

As directed by party high command, he would unite all factions into a single entity and strengthen the party in the state, he said.

''I don't belong to any group or faction and I will act with collective leadership,'' Mr Thankgabalu said adding with the help of all senior leaders he would strengthen the party.

Stating he never considered himself as a leader, Mr Thankgabalu said he was just one among the rank and file and the cadre could approach him at any time for strengthening the party.

He would take all decisions only after reaching a consensus, he said.

He said the DMK Government was fulfilling the dreams of Kamaraj and Mr M Karunanidhi, after becoming the Chief Minister for the fifth time, honoured the late leader in many ways.

Earlier, Mr Thankgabalu was given a rousing reception by the cadre at Sathyamurthy Bhavan by bursting crackers.

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