Hindustan Times (Delhi)

Rajini calls on Karunanidh­i, says meeting not political

- KV Lakshmana klakshmana@htlive.com

CHENNAI: Superstar-turned-politician Rajinikant­h on Wednesday evening called on DMK patriarch M Karunanidh­i at his Gopalapura­m residence and sought his blessings.

DMK working chief MK Stalin was also present during the visit described as a “courtesy call”.

After spending 20 minutes with the DMK leaders, Rajinikant­h told media persons that it was a courtesy call to extend his new year greetings to a “towering political personalit­y”.

He said he had apprised the DMK chief of his political plunge and took his blessings. “I also enquired about his health,” Rajinikant­h said, refusing to answer any questions posed by the posse of media personnel.

Earlier outside his residence, Rajinikant­h requested the media not to read any political meaning into his “courtesy call”.

The DMK leader is the first political leader the superstar met after announcing on Decem- ber 31 his decision to form a political party. Rajinikant­h ducked the question on if he would meet other political leaders as well.

Stalin later told media that there was nothing new in Rajinikant­h meeting Kalaignar, alluding to the fact that the superstar had even campaigned for the DMK in the 1996 assembly polls.

Stalin added that “people know whoever tried to defeat Dravidian culture has failed.” His remark is perceived as a warning to the superstar against joining hands with the BJP,

 ?? PTI ?? Tamil superstar Rajinikant­h (left) greets DMK supremo M Karunanidh­i at his residence in Chennai on Wednesday.
PTI Tamil superstar Rajinikant­h (left) greets DMK supremo M Karunanidh­i at his residence in Chennai on Wednesday.

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