Special Correspondent

CHENNAI: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has reassured the DMK of its position as a “valued friend” of the Congress.

He was replying to a question on Rahul Gandhi’s recent statement that the Congress was open to all post-poll options.

Asked to categorically state that the Congress would have nothing to do with the AIADMK after the elections, Dr. Singh said, “Well, I can say, as of now, we are fighting this election in the company of the DMK. It is our fervent hope that this alliance — which has stood the test of time for the last five years, it has delivered solid results — that we will maintain this alliance, and will form the government.”