Reporter’s Diary: Does Vaiko’s absence have more to do with BJP than ill health?

Political circles are abuzz over Vaiko’s poor health and point out that the MDMK leader — who initially commenced the protest against Neutrino project — announced another fresh round of protest and cancelled it claiming that he needed complete rest. Rumours, however, are rife that Vaiko wants to maintain a smooth relationship with the BJP and thus had to cancel the protest.

The rumours were fanned especially after Vaiko attended press meets – with twice his usual enthusiasm – a day after doctors advised him to rest.

According to sources, ever since he was nominated as a Rajya Sabha MP, Vaiko has been steadfast in meeting all the BJP leaders including Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. He even met MP Subramaniya Swamy, who was initially against Vaiko joining the upper house of the Parliament.

His meeting was criticised as he did not meet any prominent Congress leader except former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. There have been rumours that Vaiko was getting close to BJP and thus avoided meeting Congress leaders.  This was substantiated by his address in Parliament in Jammu and Kashmir issue where he criticised Congress, much more than the BJP.