Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi’s decision to invite the heads of SAARC member-states to his swearing-in ceremony has agitated the BJP’s allies in Tami Nadu.

Most southern parties and leaders, including Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, attacked Modi for inviting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to the ceremony.

Rajapaksa has already indicated his willingness to participate in the function. “The President has got the invitation similar (to) all other South Asian leaders. President Rajapaksa...will participate in the inauguration,” a presidential aide had told Reuters on Wednesday.

Strong criticism

Within hours, Vaiko, leader of BJP ally Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK), said he is “thunderstruck” and demanded that the invitation to the Sri Lankan President be rescinded. Similar noises were made by other parties in the State.

The AIADMK, not a formal member of the NDA but considered close to the BJP, strongly criticised the move. Jayalalithaa termed the decision “unfortunate”.

“Even before the new Prime Minister and the new Government assume office and begin functioning, this unfortunate move of inviting the Sri Lankan President to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the new Prime Minister of India has deeply upset the people of Tamil Nadu and wounded their sentiments all over again. This is tantamount to rubbing salt into the wounds of the already deeply injured Tamil psyche,” said a statement issued by the Chief Minister.

A senior AIADMK leader that said under such circumstances, it is “highly unlikely” that the Chief Minister will attend Modi’s inauguration ceremony.

“On three occasions, the Tamil Nadu Assembly has unanimously passed a resolution against the genocide in Sri Lanka. The Tamil people are united in their opposition to any invitation extended to anyone implicated in the genocide,” said an AIADMK leader on condition of anonymity.

The DMK was equally vocal in voicing its dissent. “Rajapaksa is part of SAARC union, so they might have sent the invitation. But the Prime Minister should also understand the feelings of the people of Tamil Nadu,” said senior DMK leader TKS Elangovan.

He added that Tamils in the island nation were attacked and human rights violations against them were criticised by most countries.

“People of Tamil Nadu are charged with anger. He (Modi) could have avoided (inviting Rajapaksa),” he said.

Although the NDA’s other regional allies, the PMK and the DMDK, are yet to react, the MDMK’s opposition could not be overstated.

“I am saddened and thunderstruck by this news… The anguished cry of Tamils all over the world and the wailing and weeping of our Tamil mothers and sisters prompt me to crave your attention and insist that you nurse the wounds of the Tamil people by not allowing Mahinda Rajapaksa to participate in the historic occasion of your swearing-in ceremony as the 14{+t}{+h} Prime Minister of India,” Vaiko said in a letter to Modi.

Related Topics