When two political rivals met over a cup of tea!

With political battles simmering in West Bengal in the run-up to the Lok Sabha polls, the rendezvous of two rival candidates over a cup of tea and sweets added a refreshing flavour to the election season.

When Trinamool Congress candidate and Bengali moviestar Dev called on Communist Party of India-Marxist heavyweight Santosh Rana late Tuesday night, it was not to talk about politics but to forge a "bond" as individuals at Rana's residence in West Midnapore district.

Both are in the fray from Ghatal constituency.

"If we can bond like this, it will help us serve the people of our constituency better," said the actor who visited the leader's home after wrapping up his shooting in the district.

The actor was greeted with tea, biscuits, barfi, rabri and payesh (kheer) by Rana's wife, Bharati.

Dev, elated on getting Rana's blessings, also praised Bharati's cooking.

Rana said he liked Dev's approach to politics.

"While he was campaigning, he exhorted youth to participate in politics but he never said 'vote for me' and I liked this side of him," Rana said.

Dev was recently embroiled in a controversy over his 'rape' comments that led to outrage from the opposition and people. After likening the Lok Sabha poll frenzy to "being raped", the movie star apologised for his comments.