The DMK welcomed the Tamil Nadu government's recommendation to the Governor Sunday for release of seven convicts in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, but its ally Congress differed, saying it will set a "wrong precedent." "The Tamil Nadu Governor should immediately implement (the cabinet decision) to bring joy to the people," DMK president M K Stalin told reporters here.

Besides DMK, the PMK and AMMK were among those who hailed the move. Stalin recalled his party's earlier demand that the state cabinet adopt a resolution for release of the convicts in the wake of the Supreme Court asking Governor Banwarilal Purohit to consider the mercy petition of one of them, AG Perarivalan, seeking remission or pardon under Article 161 of the Constitution.