PM Modi reaches Chennai, to hold talks with Jayalalithaa

Both likely to talk about more co-operation in Parliament and discuss electoral alliance in the state

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Chennai today amid rumors of a possible meeting between the PM and Chief Minister and AIADMK Supreme J Jayalalithaa. The Chief Minister received the Prime Minister along with senior cabinet ministers but gave the National Handloom Day programme a miss. 

Reports stated that both the leaders are expected to meet later in the day at Chief Minister's Poes Garden residence, however it was not confirmed by the state government or AIADMK.

The state government and AIADMK party did not give any official reason why Jayalalithaa did not attend the National Handloom Day Programme either, where Prime Minister is the Chief Guest.

Amid speculation on her health issues, Jayalalithaa last week in a statement said due to her health reasons she could not attend the Former President A P J Abdul Kalam's funeral, which was attended by Modi, neighbouring states Chief Ministers, Rahul Gandhi and other leaders.

Meanwhile, news about meeting between Modi and Jayalalithaa also triggered rumors of a possible tie-up between BJP and AIADMK for the upcoming assembly election, which is scheduled for next year, and discussions could centre around more co-operation in Parliament.

AIADMK has been extending support to the Modi government in Parliament, due to its lack of majority in the Rajya Sabha. AIADMK has 11 members in the Rajya Sabha, where BJP lacks numbers, and in the Lok Sabha AIADMK is the third largest party after BJP and Congress with 37 members.

However, AIADMK sources say it is more likely going to be a courtesy call and it is too early to discuss electoral alliances. 

BJP leaders have said under the current circumstances, with growing agitations asking for prohibition across the state, election tie-up does not seem to be a possibility for now.

In the first week of June last year, Jayalalithaa met Modi in New Delhi and presented a memorandum detailing several issues, including the Mullaperiyar dam row.

In recent times, the AIADMK has opposed the Land Bill and gave a dissent note on the Real Estate Bill.

In June 2014, Modi briefly stopped over in Chennai on his way to Sriharikota to witness the launch of the PSLV C-23. Jayalalithaa  had met him at the airport.