Narendra Modi in Chennai: PM raises red flag over 'factually incorrect' news; pays 'courtesy call' to M Karunanidhi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his day-long visit to Chennai, visited ailing DMK chief M Karunanidhi, raised a red flag over ‘factually incorrect’ news and enquired about the flood situation in Tamil Nadu during his day-long visit to the city. Over 10,000 policemen were posted in the city to ensure a smooth arrival of the prime minister. As Modi took part in the 75th-anniversary celebrations of Tamil newspaper Dina Thanthi at Madras University Centenary Hall, the prime minister drew focus to “factually incorrect” news, the media’s role in governance, and the importance of vernacular media. He said, “Today, newspapers do not just give news. They can also mould our thinking and open a window to the world. In a broader context, the media is a means of transforming society. That is why we refer to the media as the fourth pillar of democracy.” [caption id=“attachment_4196119” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Prime Minister Narendra Modi with DMK chief M Karunanidhi and DMK working president MK Stalin on Monday. PTI[/caption] Modi’s Chennai visit comes amid a buzz in the state’s political circles regarding Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan taking the political plunge. In fact, it comes just a day before  Haasan is all set to launch  the party’s mobile application on 7 November. At Modi’s address, veteran actor Rajinikanth was also present. On landing, Modi discussed the flood situation with Chief Minister K Palaniswami and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam. The prime minister assured the Tamil Nadu government of “all assistance” for floods from the Centre.

At least 14 persons have lost their lives due to heavy rains in the state last week. At Karunanidhi’s Gopalapuram residence , Modi greeted the DMK chief with a “Vanakkam, Sir” as he sat near the 93-year-old veteran and held his hand, PTI reported. This was the first meeting between the two leaders after Modi became the prime minister in May 2014. The meeting lasted about 20 minutes. Modi sat next to wheelchair-bound Karunanidhi, 93, and held his hands. The Prime Minister was briefed about Karunanidhi’s health by his doctor. “Met former Tamil Nadu CM, Thiru M Karunanidhi and enquired about his health.@kalaignar89,” Modi wrote on his official Twitter page. During his visit, Modi was accompanied by state Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State for Shipping Pon Radhakrishnan and state BJP chief Tamilisai Soundararajan. Karunanidhi’s son MK Stalin, who was on a visit to Sharjah, cut short the trip and returned to receive Modi at Karunanidhi’s residence. Stalin honoured the prime minister with a red shawl. Modi’s visit comes at a time when Stalin has been attacking the central government. Stalin has been charging the Centre with running a proxy government in Tamil Nadu. He has also said that the BJP government led by Modi had not fulfilled the promises made during the 2014 Lok Sabha election. Kanimozhi, Karunanidhi’s daughter, and Rajathi, Karunanidhi’s second wife, and DMK General Secretary Durai Murugan were also present. The Prime Minister was briefed about Karunanidhi’s health by his doctor. Tamil Nadu BJP president Tamilisai Soundarajan told reporters that Modi invited Karunanidhi to his home in Delhi for taking rest. Karunanidhi reciprocated with a smile, she said. DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said it was a courtesy call, coming at a time when Karunanidhi was making considerable improvement in his health. Karunanidhi has been off active politics for about a year now since age-related ailments have kept him home-bound. After meeting Modi, Karunanidhi, seated on a wheelchair, appeared near the door and waved to DMK cadres assembled outside his house. Stalin, also Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, on his official twitter page said that Modi during the meeting wished Karunanidhi a “speedy and full recovery.” “Hon’ble PM @narendramodi made a courtesy call on Dr @kalaignar89…The PM enquired about his health & wished him a speedy & full recovery,” Stalin wrote. The prime minister is also going to attend the wedding of the daughter of TV Somanathan, a retired IAS officer who used to work for the PMO. With inputs from agencies