Sathya Sai Baba, TN CM meet for first time

Chennai, Jan 20: Spiritual leader Sri Sathya Sai Baba today called on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi at his Gopalapuram residence here.

The meeting, which was the first between the two, lasted about 40 minutes, official sources said.

The Chief Minister presented Baba the English version of two books written by him -- Thaai Kaaviyam and Kuraloviyam.

This is the first meeting between the two.

The meeting comes on the eve of a felicitation function got up by Chennai Citizen's Conclave to thank him for executing the canal strengthening works to carry Krishna river waters released by Andhra Pradesh to Tamil Nadu.

Besides, Mr Karunanidhi, his counterparts from Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, who were signatories to the inter-state agreement signed 25 years ago to provide Krishna waters to Tamil Nadu, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu Governors would attend the tomorrow's function.

Baba is in the city after a gap of ten years.

Union Communications and IT minister Mr Dayanidhi Maran and Tamil Nadu ministers Mr Duraimurugan and Mr E B Velu were also present during the meeting.

UNI