Date:07/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/07/stories/2008110753230600.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

DMK, PMK show signs of moving closer

B. Kolappan

Baalu holds meeting with Ramadoss “to clear misunderstanding”

Discussions held at Thailapuram
“One-to-one session” with Chief Minister suggested

CHENNAI: Senior DMK leader and Union Minister T.R. Baalu met PMK founder S. Ramadoss “to clear the misunderstanding between the two parties and pave the way for rapprochement,” according to leaders of both parties. The meeting was held at Dr. Ramadoss’ residence at Thailapuram in Tindivanam on Tuesday night.

“I have come here with the knowledge of Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi. Both of you should come together,” was Mr. Baalu’s message for Dr. Ramadoss.

Mr. Karunanidhi and Dr. Ramadoss have not met each other since the DMK snapped ties with the PMK on June 17, though they had a brief encounter during the human chain organised in support of Sri Lankan Tamils in Chennai on October 24.

During the meeting, which went on for more than an hour, Mr. Baalu asked the PMK leader to have a “one-to-one session” with Mr. Karunanidhi. Dr. Ramadoss told Mr. Baalu that he needed some time, since he wanted to discuss the issue with PMK leaders in Tamil Nadu and “other friends” in New Delhi.

In a related development, DMK leader and vice-chairman of the State Planning Commission M. Naganathan on Thursday spoke to Dr. Ramadoss on phone and conveyed Mr. Karunanidhi’s disapproval of the publication of an article in the DMK organ Murasoli, ridiculing the PMK’s stand on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue. Two journalists of Murasoli were sacked for their role in its publication.