Chennai: Defence Minister and NDA (National Democratic Alliance) convenor George Fernandes called on MDMK (Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) chief Vaiko in the wee hours today (Feb 13, 2004). Fernandes, who arrived at the airport at 1.45 am en route to Port Blair, made a brief halt in the city and drove to Vaiko's residence where the leaders were closeted for nearly two hours, an MDMK press release said.

Vaiko and Fernandes hugged each other, overcome with emotion, it said adding the MDMK chief presented a shawl to the Union Minister.

Fernandes, who is meeting Vaiko for the first time after the latter's release from the Vellore prison on Feb 7 on bail in the POTA (Prevention of Terrorism Act) case, said though he could have gone to Port Blair via Kolkata he came here as he was concerned about Vaiko's health problems just prior to his release and wanted to meet him, the release said.

This was the first meeting by a Union Minister with Vaiko after the MDMK's exit from the NDA.

Later, the NDA leader left for Port Blair by 5.30 a.m.