Why has Modi not visited Jayalalithaa: Congress

Chennai: TNCC chief Su Thirunavukkarasar sought to know why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not visited Apollo hospitals here and enquired about the health of AIADMK supremo and Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa.

Averring that in the past it has been the practice of Congress leaders to visit Tamil Nadu whenever the Chief Ministers took ill, Mr Thirunavukkarasar recalled that when AIADMK founder M.G. Ramachandran was admitted to Apollo hospital, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited him. Similarly, when Ms. Jayalalithaa was admitted to Devaki Hospital following an accident, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited her at the hospital. “But, why has Prime Minister Narendra Modi not visited Ms. Jayalalithaa at the hospital?” he asked.

Ms Jayalalithaa has been undergoing treatment at Apollo Hospitals her since September 22. Speaking to reporters here on Monday, he said the Congress supported the all-party meet convened by the DMK on Cauvery issue and called upon all political parties to join hands for common cause. “Cauvery water dispute is a common issue. It is for the welfare of farmers. Normally, political parties in Kerala and Karnataka join hands for a common issue and go to Delhi and make a representation to the Centre. Similarly, in Tamil Nadu, if all political parties join hands, it will be good for the state,” Mr Tirunavukkarasar said.

Dismissing a suggestion that the DMK had called for the meeting on Tuesday with an eye on the elections to three Assembly constituencies, he said, “it is not a meeting to strengthen the alliance. Even if you participate in such a meeting it will not harm your alliance considering that the issue is for the welfare of the farmers.” His party’s legislature party leader K. R. Ramasamy and agriculture wing chief S. Pawankumar would participate in the meeting.