Chennai, Sep 10 : Congress General Secretary Rahul Gandhi, who is on a three-day visit to Tamil Nadu, on Thursday dismissed all speculation of a rift between his party and the DMK, by saying that ties between the two are very strong.

Addressing a press conference here, Gandhi said: "We have very good relations with the DMK. I am an admirer of DMK chief M. Karunanidhi."

He also played down all resentment of not meeting Karunanidhi, by expressing his deep regards for the DMK chief.

Referring to the issue of safety of Tamils in Sri Lanka, he said the government has been exerting massive pressure on Sri Lanka, adding that the welfare of the Tamil people in Sri Lanka must be respected.

Asked about the probabilities of Tamil superstar Rajnikanth joining the Congress, he said that Rajnikanth is most welcome to join the party.

Talking about groupism in politics, he said that it exists in all states and every single party. Earlier, Karunanidhi gave clear hints of his displeasure over Gandhi''s visit to Tamil Nadu to perk up the party cadre.

In the recent years, it has become customary for Congress leaders visiting Tamil Nadu to pay a courtesy call on the DMK patriarch.

The DMK leaders are also upset that the young Gandhi did not even made a courtesy call to the party chief. (ANI)