MDMK general secretary said it was out of political decency that he met the DMK leader
MDMK general secretary Vaiko
Chennai: MDMK general secretary Vaiko on Sunday sought to play down his meeting with DMK treasurer M.K. Stalin which triggered speculation of a possible political realignment ahead of the 2016 Assembly polls.Days after his meeting Mr Stalin at the wedding reception of PMK leader, Dr Anbumani Ramadoss’ daughter Samyuktha, Mr Vaiko, an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance, said it was out of political decency that he met the DMK leader.
The meeting of leaders of the Opposition which symbolises good political culture and decency was common in north India, he said, while presiding over the marriage of Kabilan, son former Erode Lok Sabha member Ganesamurthy, at Kangeyam, in Erode district. Recalling his chance meeting with AIADMK general secretary Jayalalithaa last year during his padayatra seeking prohibition in the state, he said he did not join the AIADMK alliance after meeting her. He noted that he always maintained a cordial relationship with all leaders even though he differed with them on issues.
He cited another incident of sharing a cup of tea with Congress leaders in Parliament after he criticised them inside the House. “I criticised them inside Parliament and they offered me tea after that debate. See the culture,” he said.Stating that the media had read too much into the meeting with Mr Stalin, the MDMK leader said it was, however, the freedom of the fourth estate. He urged party workers to work for the Dravidian ideology which was being attacked from several corners. “Man is mortal, ideology is immortal,” he said.
The meeting between Mr Vaiko and Mr Stalin on October 29 assumed political significance as they met just days after Mr Stalin had strongly indicated a broad alliance to unseat the ruling AIADMK. Also, the two leaders met after about eight long years. DMK chief Karunanidhi, when asked if the meeting could be taken as the ‘beginning of a new alliance’, said he would be happy if it were to be a ‘beginning’.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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