Modi calls on Karunidhi

Accompanied by Union Ministers Nirmala Sitharaman and Pon Radhakrishn, 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 Di Thanthi. Karunidhi’s son M.K. Stalin, who was on a visit to Sharjah, cut short the trip and returned to receive Modi at Karunidhi’s residence. Kanimozhi, Karunidhi’s daughter, and Rajathi, Karunidhi’s second wife, and DMK General Secretary Durai Murugan were also present.  The Prime Minister was briefed about Karunidhi’s health by his doctor. This is the first time Modi has met Karunidhi at his residence.

Tamil du BJP President Tamilisai Soundarajan told reporters that Modi invited Karunidhi to his home in Delhi for taking rest. Karunidhi reciprocated with a smile, she said. DMK spokesperson T.K.S. Elangovan said it was a courtesy call, coming at a time when Karunidhi was making considerable improvement in his health. Karunidhi 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 du. He has also said that the BJP government led by Modi had not fulfilled the promises made during the 2014 Lok Sabha election. (IANS)