The 80th birthday bash of veteran CPI leader D Pandian on Tuesday turned out to be an occasion for the coming together of leaders across the political sphere on a single stage, with the sole exception of the DMK.
There were murmurs within the event venue on the “extravagant” preparations — unlike the simplicity of the Communist. Chief Minister and AIADMK leader J Jayalaithaa’s wishes were conveyed to Pandian by State Finance Minister O Panneerselvam. The evenings proceedings saw leaders as diverse as VCK’s Thirumavalavan, MDMK’s Vaiko, DMDK’s Panruti Ramachandran and PMK’s G K Mani coming together to shower accolades. The Congress too couriered its message, through Minister G K Vasan. But, conspicuous by its absence was the DMK. It wasn’t clear if even an invitation was extended, given the strained relationship between the parties since the 2009 Lok Sabha polls. Some also hurled gibes at the DMK for the ‘dynastic’ nature of its functioning.
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