Date:11/05/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/05/11/stories/2003051103060800.htm

National

Chidambaram meets Sonia Gandhi

By Javed M. Ansari

NEW DELHI MAY 10. The former Union Finance Minister and leader of the Congress Jananayaka Peravai, P. Chidambaram, today met the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, leading to speculation about his possible return to the Congress.

Mr. Chidambaram left the Congress along with G.K. Moopanar, before the 1996 general elections, protesting the decision of the former Prime Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao, to join hands with the AIADMK.

Mr. Moopanar and Mr. Chidambaram later formed the Tamil Maanila Congress.

Mr. Chidambaram was the Finance Minister in the United Front Government of which the Tamil Maanila Congress was a constituent.

He was credited with presenting a "dream budget." He parted company with the Tamil Maanila Congress just before the 2001 Assembly elections in protest against the party's decision to ally with the AIADMK, and went on to form the Peravai.