Chennai: Actor-politician Rajinikanth, who recently announced that he would not be contesting in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, visited Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam (DMDK) founder Vijayakanth at his Saligramam residence on Friday to inquire about his health.

Though Rajinikanth maintained that he met Vijayakanth because of courtesy, speculation is rife that it was an attempt to bring Vijayakanth’s support to the BJP during the Lok Sabha polls.

Speaking to reporters, Rajinikanth said, "I came here to meet my friend Vijayakanth. While I was in America, I tried contacting him, but unfortunately, I couldn't. Vijayakanth was the first person to visit me when I was admitted to Ramachandra hospital. I am happy to see him in good health. There was no political motive in the meet."

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) president MK Stalin also met the DMDK leader at his residence on Friday and inquired about his health.

Earlier, the BJP and the ruling AIADMK offered the DMDK an alliance. However, Vijayakanth had not made a decision.

According to reports, the DMDK have asked to be treated on the same level with Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) which seized seven Lok Sabha seats. Also, Vijayakanth demanded that his party should be given a seat more than what the PMK had received.

On Wednesday, union minister Pon Radhakrishnan said that the BJP would not meddle in seat-sharing discussions between the AIADMK and the DMDK. He further said that parties other than the DMDK in the state had offered their support to form an alliance.