JOIN USProtests are mounting in Tamil Nadu across political parties over the invitation given to the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday to Sri Lanka President Mahinda Rajapaksa to attend the same.
The ruling AIADMK led by Chief Minister J Jayalalitha has left everyone guessing on whether or not she would attend the swearing-in. Other leading Tamil political parties like the DMK led by Karunanidhi and the MDMK headed by its chief Vaiko have expressed their unhappiness and opposition to the invitation.
AIADMK chief J Jayalalitha had termed as "unfortunate" the invitation extended to Rajapaksa.
Karunanidhi and Vaiko have also said that the Centre should have a rethink on whether a person (Rajapaksa) responsible for the killing of thousands of Lankan Tamils and who was fully involved in the disintegration of Tamil race should participate in the swearing-in ceremony.
Vaiko, a strong supporter of Eelam Tamils, said he would personally lead a black flag demonstration in New Delhi on May 26 to condemn the visit of Rajapaksa for the swearing-in ceremony of Modi. DMK sources confirmed that they are not going to send any representatives to the swearing-in ceremony.
The big question is whether Jayalalitha would attend her friend Modi’s swearing-in ceremony after her strongly-worded statement on the decision to invite Rajapaksa. "Amma (Jayalalithaa) may not even send any representative for the ceremony", a senior AIADMK leader said.
Though the PMK headed by Ramadoss and DMDK led by actor politician Vijayakanth have opposed the decision to invite Rajapaksa, both parties will have representatives at Modi's function. PMK leader and elected MP Anbumani Ramadoss and DMDK's Vijayakanth are expected to attend it.
Other political parties in the state such as the VCK, DK and the PT have also opposed the visit of Sri Lankan president.