Cong patches up after DMK cries boycott

Leading the speculation about the boycott was the timing of the stock-taking meeting announced by DMK chief M. Karunanidhi, a day before the Budget. The high-level action committee of the DMK on February 27 has been called to discuss the ‘‘current political situation in the country’’, DMK General Secretary K Anbazhagan said in Chennai.

Congress general secretary Ambika Soni, in charge of Tamil Nadu, was the first on damage control on Friday. ‘‘Nobody has has been authorised to make any policy statement,’’ she said. Party spokesman Anand Sharma added: ‘‘As far as the statement from Chennai (of Elangovan) is concerned, it is not the party position.’’

And by late afternoon, Elangovan was ready with his response. ‘‘It is Congress president Sonia Gandhi, who takes final decisions about coalition.

‘‘I have nothing against the coalition partners in Tamil Nadu since I was also instrumental in bringing them together…I was talking about the relief measures taken by the Centre to help tsunami victims.’’ Elangovan did not, however, deny the comments in Chennai, where he reportedly said, ‘‘Congress workers wanted one among them to be the next CM. We are not running the party for putting others on the saddle.’’ Elangovan also reportedly said the Congress would strive to establish ‘‘Congress rule’’ in the state.