TN parties criticise Jaitley's meeting with Jayalalithaa

PMK, an ally of the ruling National Democratic Alliance also criticised the meeting

Opposition political parties and BJP's ally in Tamil Nadu have criticised and questioned the Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley's meeting with AIADMK General Secretary J Jayalalithaa. On Monday, the Union Minister, who is also the third powerful Minister in Narendra Modi's Cabinet, met Jayalalithaa for nearly 40 minutes at her residence in Chennai.

First reaction came from AIADMK's main rival in the state DMK, whose President M Karunanidhi questioned the Jaitely saying "Is it proper on the part of a central minister to visit the house of person convicted by a court for corruption and whose appeal petition is being heard by a court?" He also alleged that a doubt arises whether the Prime Minister Narendra Modi is also a party to this.

One of the partners of NDA in Tamil Nadu, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) also questioned the meeting. "The meeting gives rise to suspicion," said PMK founder S Ramadoss. He also demanded that Jaitley should clarify about the meeting.

Tamil Nadu Congress leader E V K S Elangovan said the BJP's anti-corruption stance is exposed with this.

The AIADMK, in a statement, said Jaitley went to Jayalalithaa's Poes Garden residence and was received by her warmly. "It was a courtesy call which lasted 40 minutes," the statement added.

It may be noted, Bengalaru Special Convicted Jayalalithaa and three others in an asset disproportionate case. She was sentenced for four years jail, following which she stepped down as Chief Minister of the State and was fined Rs 100 crore. Later she got bail from the Supreme Court and the matter is now heard at the Special Court at Bengalaru.

According to sources, Jaitley's visit was to seek support of AIADMK in clearing some of the bills pending with the Rajyasabha, where the ruling party require more support and the regional party has around 11 members.