Date:09/01/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/01/09/stories/2009010950880400.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

Karunanidhi meets Manmohan

CHENNAI: Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here on Wednesday and discussed the Sri Lankan issue and the proposed visit of External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee to the island nation. The Prime Minister told him that he understood the sentiments of the Chief Minister and that he would send Mr. Mukherjee to Sri Lanka as soon as possible.

Mr. Karunanidhi also requested the Centre to sanction Rs.2,500 crore to offset the losses due to the implementation of the value-added tax (VAT).

He also sought Central assistance to carry out flood relief activities in Tamil Nadu, over and above the Rs.200 crore already allotted. The State government had already spent Rs.950 crore towards flood relief. He also sought the Prime Minister’s help in ensuring separate reservations for Arundhatiyars. — Staff Reporter