Two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited DMK chief M Karunanidhi at his residence in Chennai, the party's working President MK Stalin warned political opponents against making a controversy of the meeting. He claimed that even he was informed only in the last minute about the visit.
Stalin was addressing DMK workers and supporters at a 'black day rally in Madurai to mark one year since demonetisation was announced. There was speculation that the protest had been called off in eight districts following Modi’s meeting with Karunanidhi. But Stalin vehemently denied this and said only six districts that were severely affected by floods were told to not hold protests and rallies.
"Certain media houses claimed that our handshake could mean an imminent alliance and that we even called off the protests. It is all false," said Stalin. "The PM was here to see a senior Dravidian leader and not for politics. Neither do we want to indulge in any kind of politics with him," he added.
Stalin claims that he was only told about the visit, a day ahead. "I was Sharjah for an event on November 5 when I received a call saying the PM wants to meet my father and insisted that I be there too," explained the DMK leader. "Since the PM of the country was coming, it was my duty to be there and so I took a flight back to Chennai that evening," he claimed.
He also confirmed reports that PM Modi invited Karunanidhi to his residence at the capital to rest and even said 'Vanakkam Sir' to the ailing party patriarch.
"The Prime Minister was here to attend two private events and then came to see my father. Those trying to politicise this matter will not succeed," said Stalin before continuing to attack the Centre's economic policies.
The DMK which was organising the protests with Congress, VCK and other opposition parties alleged that freedom was snatched away from Indians on the day the PM announced demonetisation. "Today is a black day that reminds us of the miseries we were put through by the Centre," he claimed.
"Who is responsible for the lives lost because of demonetisation? The PM will have to answer this in the future," he added.