Congress today described as "unexpected," DMK's announcement to break ties with it as it said the Centre was holding consultations on party chief M Karunanidhi's new demand on the Sri Lankan Tamils issue.

TNCC president and MP B S Gnanadesikan said three Central Ministers A K Antony, P Chidambaram and Ghulam Nabi Azad had flown down on Monday and held talks with the DMK patriarch.

"I believe (Centre) is holding discussions on further steps," on Karunanidhi's demand that Parliament adopt a resolution incorporating DMK suggested amendments, he said.

"Because, the Centre is in a position where it has to discuss (the matter) with all political parties," he said. In the meantime Karunanidhi had announced quitting UPA, he noted.

Gnanadesikan said this was an "unexpected announcement" and he had himself asked India to play a proactive role on this issue, while debating it in Parliament.