At a time when the relationship between their parties is under strain, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan called on MDMK general secretary Vaiko at the latter’s residence in Anna Nagar here on Tuesday.
In a joint press conference following their meeting, the two leaders sought to set their differences aside.
“I have always been Thirumavalavan’s well-wisher. Even when we were not in an alliance, he visited me when I was in prison,” Mr. Vaiko said.
Explaining the reason behind the strain in ties, triggered by a social media post made by VCK functionary Vanniyarasu, Mr. Thirumavalavan said Mr. Vaiko was a “transparent person who spoke his mind”.
“He is transparent and does not keep something in mind and say something else. He doesn’t hold grudges in his mind. Our brother Vanniyarasu made some post, and it had hurt Mr. Vaiko. I condemned it and asked Vanniyarasu to apologise to Mr. Vaiko,” Mr. Thirumavalavan said.
Dalit comment
Mr. Vaiko’s reported statement about Dalits working in his house while commenting on the contribution of the Dravidian movement to the upliftment of Dalits, and the subsequent reaction by Mr. Vanniyarasu through a post on a social networking site (since deleted), had strained ties between the two parties.