TN CM meets Naidu, offers support in vice-prez poll

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister E K Palaniswami today called on NDA's vice presidential nominee M Venkaiah Naidu at the latter's residence here and extended his support to him in the August 5 election.

Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members of the AIADMK (Amma), including Lok Sabha Deputy Speaker M Thambidurai, accompanied Palaniswami on his visit to Naidu.

"We have unanimously decided to support Venkaiah Naidu, following a meeting of the senior members of the party," Palaniswami told reporters after his meeting with the former Union minister.

Their rival faction in the AIADMK, headed by O Panneerselvam, had met Naidu yesterday and extended its support to him.
 

"Venkaiah Naidu was close to former (Tamil Nadu) chief minister J Jayalalithaa. He loves Tamil Nadu and its people and he is a south Indian. We are happy to offer our support to him ," said Palaniswami.

He was in Delhi to attend the swearing-in ceremony of Ram Nath Kovind, the 14th President of India.