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Fernandes calls on Jayalalithaa, Maran

By Our Special Correspondent

The Defence Minister, George Fernandes, in a conversation with the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, at the Secretariat on Thursday. — Photo: K.Gajendran

CHENNAI Nov. 7. The Defence Minister, George Fernandes, met the Chief Minister, Jayalalithaa, today, but failed to keep his appointment with his longstanding friend and ally, the DMK chief, M.Karunanidhi.

Mr.Fernandes, who called off his meeting with Ms.Jayalalithaa when he was here last time, this time around, sought to make up for it and made a "courtesy call'' on her. The meeting lasted nearly half an hour.

"There is no political significance to my meeting with her,'' said Mr. Fernandes, who is also the convenor of the NDA. There was no official word from the Government. Both sides sought to play down the significance of the meeting.

Mr.Fernandes made it clear that he did not bring up the issue of the MDMK general secretary, Vaiko's arrest under the Prevention of Terrorism Act, at the meeting.

Mr.Fernandes sought an appointment with Mr.Karunanidhi. The DMK chief reportedly told him that the meeting could take place at the Apollo Hospitals where the Union Industries and Commerce Minister, Murasoli Maran, was undergoing treatment. But due to a few personal commitments and a lunch appointment, Mr. Fernandes could not make it in time to the hospital.

Mr.Karunanidhi, who left the hospital at 1.30 p.m., said he waited for Mr.Fernandes long enough. Mr.Fernandes arrived about 15 minutes late and left after making enquiries with Mr.Maran's family about his condition.

The Minister returned to New Delhi by an evening flight.

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