Fri Jan 02 13:40:15 UTC 2026: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version in a news article format:

Summary:

The article reports on the start of MDMK General Secretary Vaiko’s 11-day “samathuva nadaipayanam” (equality walk) in Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu, India. The yatra, focused on communal harmony and anti-drug abuse awareness, is the 11th such journey in Vaiko’s political career. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin praised Vaiko’s energy. While leaders from other allied parties attended and lauded Vaiko, Congress representatives were notably absent due to the reported inclusion of a photo of LTTE leader V. Prabhakaran on the invitation, a figure controversial to the Congress party due to the LTTE’s involvement in Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination. Despite this, the local Congress president stated that the incident shouldn’t affect the alliance.

News Article:

Vaiko Embarks on 11th Yatra for Communal Harmony, Anti-Drug Awareness; Congress Boycotts Launch Over Prabhakaran Image

TIRUCHI, INDIA – January 2, 2026 – Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) General Secretary Vaiko today commenced his 11-day “samathuva nadaipayanam” (equality walk) from Tiruchi, Tamil Nadu, aimed at promoting communal harmony and raising awareness against drug abuse. The 82-year-old political veteran’s journey will culminate in Madurai on January 12th.

The yatra, flagged off by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, marks Vaiko’s 11th major march throughout his career. Stalin lauded Vaiko’s enduring vigor, jokingly questioning whether the veteran leader was actually 28 instead of 82 and jokingly cautioning him to take care of his health during future yatras. Leaders from alliance partners such as the VCK, IUML, MNM, and the Dravidar Kazhagam, also expressed their support and admiration for Vaiko’s dedication.

However, a significant absence was noted: representatives from the Indian National Congress. L. Rex, Tiruchi Urban District Congress president, explained that the party members decided to abstain from the event due to reports of the invitation featuring a photograph of V. Prabhakaran, the late leader of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE). The LTTE’s involvement in the assassination of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi remains a sensitive issue for the Congress party.

“I saw a photo of Prabhakaran on the invite in a news report in a Tamil daily this morning. This is unacceptable to us and hence we decided to stay away,” Rex stated.

Despite the controversy, Rex maintained that the incident should not impact the overall alliance.

Vaiko has a long history of undertaking such yatras, dating back to his time with the DMK. Past marches have focused on issues ranging from temple theft to the Cauvery River dispute and environmental concerns. His previous yatra took place in 2018 against the Neutrino project. His most recent journey seeks to address pressing social issues and highlight the importance of unity within the community.

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