TNCC chief’s meet with Natarajan triggers speculations

Tamil Nadu Congress committee president Su Thirunavukkarasar had called on M Natarajan, spouse of incarcerated AIADMK general secretary VK Sasikala, triggering speculations of the family reopening channels with the Congress. 

Thirunavukkarasar, who went to Mannargudi to condole the death of TV Mahadevan, nephew of Sasikala, had visited Natarajan at his native. A senior Congress leader, who confirmed the meeting between the two said, “He has good relationship with Sasikala’s family. Thirunavukkarasar was aware that the meeting would keep spin doctors engaged, but he did not bother, because it was purely a courtesy visit and there was nothing political.” 

Though supporters of Thirunavukkarasar attempted to downplay the meeting, it could not be easily side stepped given the unusual bonhomie being witnessed between the two leaders since the demise of former chief minister J Jayalalithaa. The meeting, probably third of its kind in six months, has left tongues wagging in both the treasury and opposition ranks. It was Thirunavukkarasar, who had even helped Natarajan bring Rahul Gandhi twice to the state, once to Apollo Hospital and later for Jayalalithaa’s funeral.

That the TNCC chief had visited Mannargudi even when no leader of either factions of the AIADMK had even bothered to issue a condolence message, has only lent more credence to speculations. However, the meeting has enthused a small section of Sasikala family, who were hopeful of revival of ties with Congress to negate BJP’s pressure.