A ‘chance’ meeting between DMK chief M Karunanidhi and DMDK head Vijayakant on Saturday sparked speculation amidst party cadre with some wondering if this could be a precursor to a more active collaboration.
However, leaders in both parties dismissed the speculation and said it was nothing more than courtesy that made the leaders exchange pleasantries.
The meeting happened when Karunanidhi came out of the residence of Dina Thanthi chairman Sivanthi Athithan, who passed away on Friday, after paying homage.
Sources in the DMDK said it was “complete coincidence” that Vijayakant reached the house in Poes Garden at the same time.
“Actually, it was some leaders of the DMK who accompanied their leader who waived to Captain. As our leader (Vijayakanth) is someone who respects political decency, he went and said hello and asked about Kalaignar’s health,” a DMDK source said. Interestingly, former Union minister A Raja was beside Vijayakant when the latter paid his respects to the mortal remains of Athithan. DMK treasurer M K Stalin and MDMK general secretary Vaiko also paid their respects. Meanwhile, the Prince of Arcot, Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, condoled Athithan’s demise.