Aaj Ki Janta

Madurai/Udhagamandalam, April 6, 2025 — A political row erupted in Tamil Nadu on Sunday as Chief Minister M. K. Stalin gave a miss to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official engagements in Rameswaram, including the high-profile inauguration of the new Pamban Bridge and developmental projects worth over ₹8,000 crore.

The BJP lashed out at the Chief Minister, calling his absence a deliberate “insult” to the Prime Minister and demanded an apology. BJP state president K. Annamalai took sharp digs at Stalin, accusing him of prioritizing politics over protocol.

“Stalin knew well in advance about the PM’s visit. Yet he chose to skip the event and instead head to Udhagamandalam (Ooty), claiming he was attending a government function. This is nothing but political drama,” Annamalai told reporters. He went on to mockingly suggest that Stalin avoided Rameswaram “because it’s hot and he can’t bear the heat.”

Stalin, who inaugurated a new government hospital in Ooty on the same day, said he had informed the Prime Minister about his unavailability and had deputed Ministers Thangam Thennarasu and Raja Kannappan to represent the state at the event. He also used the occasion to raise concerns over the Parliamentary delimitation exercise.

“We have sought an appointment to present a memorandum on delimitation. I have conveyed my inability to attend the PM’s programme and have asked him to address our concerns,” Stalin said.

However, the BJP was not convinced. “The CM’s excuse is unacceptable. The Prime Minister came here directly after a foreign visit, not for politics but for the people of Tamil Nadu. It is the duty of the Chief Minister to welcome him,” said Annamalai.

He further alleged that Stalin was using the delimitation issue as a political tool and not as a genuine concern. “By skipping the PM’s event, he has disrespected not just the Prime Minister but also the people of the state,” Annamalai added, demanding that Stalin issue a public apology.

The incident has stirred fresh tensions between the ruling DMK and the opposition BJP in Tamil Nadu, as both parties gear up for the forthcoming electoral season.