Senior Congress leader and former Union Minister E.V.K.S. Elangovan met Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) leader Vijayakant and greeted him on his birthday.
“It's a courtesy call and I don't attach any political significance,” Mr. Elangovan said when asked about the meeting.
Since the meeting comes at a time when Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, the leader of the DMK-Congress alliance, is involved in a war of words with Mr. Vijayakant, leaders of both camps were surprised.
“There is nothing wrong in greeting a leader on his birthday. After all, it is Mr. Karunanidhi who has been advocating warm and friendly relationship among leaders of various political parties,” Mr. Elangovan quipped, quoting former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai's dictum “maatran thottathu malligaikkum manam undu” (Jasmine in the neighbour's garden too possesses a pleasant smell.)
