Chennai, Sep. 10 : Congress party general secretary Rahul Gandhi on Thursday sought to downplay the issue of not calling on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, saying that he was a great admirer of the octogenarian leader.

Gandhi, who was on a three-day visit of the state, raised the hackles of DMK cadre by not meeting Karunanidhi, who is a key ally of the ruling UPA.

"I have visited Tamil Nadu many many times, three-four times. But I did not meet him during my visits. I have never gone to meet Karunanidhiji. There is nothing out of the ordinary in this. There is a regular touch and communication between us and DMK Chief M Karunanidhi," he told reporters before wrapping up his visit. (ANI)