DMK’s big family, Rahul bond over a cup of tea

Gandhi, who arrived here to take part in the celebrations of DMK chief M Karunanidhi’s 94th birthday and the diamond jubilee of his legislative career, went to Stalin’s Alwarpet residence from the airport.

According to DMK sources, the Congress vice-president had a closed-door meeting with Stalin for about 30 minutes, during which the two discussed several “contemporary issues.” Gandhi’s visit is being seen by many as an effort to further strengthen the ties of his party with the DMK, which is now being led by Stalin due to Karunanidhi’s ill-health. Senior Congress leader Mukul Wasnik and Tamil Nadu Congress chief Su Thirunavukkarasar were among those who accompanied Gandhi to Stalin’s residence. 

It may be recalled that the Congress vice-president had paid a visit to Karunanidhi at the Kauvery Hospital here in December to enquire about the nonagenarian leader’s health.

Bihar Chief Minister and JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar on Saturday said his Mahagathbandhan (grand alliance) ally and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad could not make it to the event in Chennai to honour DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi due to “high fever.” Lalu Prasad, along with Nitish Kumar, was scheduled to address a meeting organised by the DMK to mark Karunanidhi’s 94th birthday and his 60 years of service as a legislator. 

“He (Prasad) was scheduled to come but could not make it due to high fever,” Kumar said, recalling that Karunanidhi’s daughter and DMK MP Kanimozhi had invited both of them at Patna to attend the event. “However, his (Prasad’s) wishes and respects are with Kalaignar (Karunanidhi),” he added. Earlier, Nitish Kumar called on the ailing Karunanidhi at his residence. The DMK chief did not attend the function due to health reasons.