CHENNAI: DMK president

on Wednesday congratulated Shiv Sena chief

who is to take charge as

chief minister on November 28.

"In the first instance I congratulate you for having chosen to take charge as chief minister. I am happy that a regional party chief is to take charge as the CM," said Stalin who has been invited to the swearing-in ceremony in Mumbai.

Stalin praised Thackeray for having trashed all hurdles. "I expect the friendship between Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra to increase," said Stalin.

The DMK leader greeted NCP chief

for having worked for bringing opposition parties together. This alliance would help save

democracy

and strengthen the nation, he said.