Chennai, May 22 -- Reacting to the TVK's reply to DMK's A Raja's "bent coconut tree" jibe, DMK Chief MK Stalin on Friday issued a strong appeal for restraint, directing party cadres to refrain from using harsh or hurtful words against former allies who have crossed over to join the newly formed TVK-led coalition government.

Adopting a statesman-like stance and distancing the party leadership from the ongoing mudslinging, the DMK president extended his heartfelt congratulations to the newly sworn-in ministers and explicitly defended their democratic right to make independent political choices.

"My heartfelt congratulations to our policy comrades, Mr Vanni Arasu and Mr Shahjahan, who have taken on the mantle of honourable ministers! Every...