Narendra Modi meets M Karunanidhi, DMK says PM visited to ask about health

During his visit to Tamil Nadu, PM Modi paid a visit to former CM Karunanidhi. Karunanidhi also greeted his followers and met with the party cadres after PM's visit.

IndiaToday.in  | Posted by: Ekta Handa
November 6, 2017 | UPDATED 20:53 IST
PM Modi meeting M KarunanidhiPM Modi meeting M Karunanidhi

On a half-a-day's trip to Chennai, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today called on DMK president M Karunanidhi and enquired about his health. "Vanakkam, Sir", Modi greeted Karunanidhi as he sat near the 93-year-old veteran and held his hand.

Accompanied by Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Pon Radhakrishnan, Modi was with the DMK leader for about 10 minutes before winding up his visit to the city during which he took part in the 75th anniversary celebrations of Tamil newspaper Dina Thanthi.

Karunanidhi's son MK Stalin, who was on a visit to Sharjah, cut short the trip and returned to receive Modi at Karunanidhi's residence. Kanimozhi, Karunanidhi's daughter, and Rajathi, Karunanidhi's second wife, and DMK General Secretary Durai Murugan were also present.

The Prime Minister was briefed about Karunanidhi's health by his doctor. This is the first time Modi has met Karunanidhi at his residence.

Tamil Nadu BJP President Tamilisai Soundarajan told reporters that Modi invited Karunanidhi to his home in Delhi for taking rest. Karunanidhi reciprocated with a smile, she said.

DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said it was a courtesy call, coming at a time when Karunanidhi was making considerable improvement in his health.

Karunanidhi has been off active politics for about a year now since age-related ailments have kept him home-bound.

Modi's visit comes at a time when Stalin has been attacking the central government. Stalin has been charging the Centre with running a proxy government in Tamil Nadu. He has also said that the BJP government led by Modi had not fulfilled the promises made during the 2014 Lok Sabha election.

“The meeting between the Prime Minister and DMK President shows how personal touches are important in politics. Beyond that, it appears that the BJP has started distancing itself from the ADMK factions, which are rapidly becoming unpopular," said  DMK spokesperson Manu Sundaram.

Reacting on PM's visit political analyst R K Radhakrishnan said,“I think the PM's visit, though obviously a courtesy call, is a gesture that indicates that BJP's doors are not shut on the DMK. It appears that the lack of tact and any workable skills in the EPS-OPS combine has left the BJP leadership exasperated. The visit is as much a signal to the ruling AIADMK as it is to the DMK.�

After meeting Modi, Karunanidhi, seated on a wheelchair, appeared near the door and waved to DMK cadres assembled outside his house.

Karunanidhi has been confined to his house since October 16 but made one public appearance on October 19 this year when he visited an exhibition.

(With inputs from Priyamvatha P)