Chidambaram meets MK, DMK sticks to stand on CHOGM

Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram made a surprise visit to DMK chief M Karunanidhi’s residence on Saturday, when, DMK sources said, the contentious issue was discussed threadbare.
Chidambaram meets MK, DMK sticks to stand on CHOGM

Days after DMK chief M Karunanidhi issued a strong warning to the Congress that it would have to face the consequences if the Centre chose to participate in the upcoming Commonwealth meet in Colombo, Union Finance Minister P Chidambaram made a surprise visit to the Dravidian veteran’s residence on Saturday, when, DMK sources said, the contentious issue was discussed threadbare.

The meeting between the leaders comes close on the heels of a Congress core committee meet last Wednesday, when, apparently, the party decided to back the Centre’s participation in the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). Congress sources said it decided in the meeting in New Delhi that Chidambaram, who shared a good relationship with the DMK patriarch, should meet him in person and communicate the position of the Centre.

DMK sources told Express that at the meeting on Saturday at Gopalapuram, Chidambaram conveyed to Karunanidhi that India being unrepresented at the CHOGM was not in its best interest. Even if the Prime Minister chose to stay away, the External Affairs Minister or another senior person from the government had to attend the meeting, which would see a galaxy of leaders from across the world participating.

However, the meeting seemed to have had little effect on Karunanidhi who, sources said, stuck to his stand that no one from India should go to Sri Lanka.

“Thalaivar made it clear immediately that the DMK was against any participation from the Indian side, not just that of the Prime Minister. In fact, he made this clear a few days ago in the party organ Murosoli. This is the popular sentiment of the people,” said a senior leader on condition of anonymity.

This was evident from the statement made by Karunanidhi on Sunday when, pointing to new video evidence released by Channel 4 on the brutal rape and killing of LTTE news reader Isaipriya, he wondered aloud if India should participate in the meet after the revelations.

Speaking to reporters after meeting the DMK chief on Saturday, Chidambaram said there was no truth to the reports that the Prime Minister had decided to go to Sri Lanka. “The subject is still under discussion. A decision is yet to be taken,” he said.

He was quick to condemn the alleged rape and killing of Isaipriya. “I have seen the Isaipriya video. I believe it’s a real video. The Sri Lankan government should punish those responsible,” he said.

PMK founder S Ramadoss on Sunday called for an international probe into the brutal incident.

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