Against the backdrop of violence in Gorakhpur, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Friday met President A P J Abdul Kalam.

The meeting lasted for 30 minutes and it is understood that Patil has briefed the President about the law and order situation in the various parts of the country, especially Uttar Pradesh's Gorakhpur district which has been marred by violence.

When contacted, a Rashtrapati Bhavan spokesman said that the meeting was a "routine" one.