KCR meets Stalin, says no consensus yet on third front

As part of his efforts to cobble up an alternative front at the national level, Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrashekhar Rao on Sunday met ailing DMK chief M Karunanidhi and his son M K Stalin to discuss his plans.

After the meeting, Rao said since efforts to form a federal front was conceived only a few months ago, it would take another two to three months for a consensus to emerge.

After arriving at the airport, Rao drove straight to Karunanidhi's residence where he was received by Stalin and senior DMK leaders.

Rao greeted Karunanidhi with a "vanakkam" and got a response in the form of a broad smile.

Later, Stalin hosted lunch for Rao and his delegation at his residence, which was attended by former Union ministers T R Baalu and A Raja.

Rao said the discussions with Stalin were more on issues concerning Centre-State relations and how to empower lower sections of the society.

On the third front, Rao said, "This is neither the beginning nor the end. We have not taken any decision yet and there is a debate across the country on politics and governance. We have just begun the efforts and it might take another three months for a consensus to emerge," Rao said.

However, Rao, who met West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee last month, made it clear that the front wants India to remain "secular".

"Karunanidhi ji blessed me in 2004 when I became Union minister and again today he has blessed me. We have decided to continue our friendship," Rao said.

On his part, Stalin said he conveyed to Rao that the DMK will convene its high-level committee to discuss the proposal.

"And there are a few parties that have aligned with us in Tamil Nadu and I will consult them as well. I will give a reply to KCR about his proposal after convening DMK high-level meeting," he said.

Stalin has also suggested to KCR to convene a public rally on Centre-State relations.