BJP hits out at Vaiko for remarks against PM Narendra Modi

BJP on Sunday took a swipe at its Tamil Nadu ally MDMK for party founder leader Vaiko's reported critical remarks against the Prime Minister, saying they would not tolerate it. "We never deny MDMK's democratic rights. But we won't tolerate continuous attacks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi," BJP National Secretary H Raja told reporters.

He said Vaiko had a penchant for making such remarks, one of which was blaming the Centre over the death sentence awarded by a court in Sri Lanka to five fishermen, who were subsequently released. Another was saying that 'imposition' of Hindi in Tamil Nadu would lead to divisions in the state.

Raja pointed out that the fishermen were granted pardon by Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa after Modi spoke to him. His efforts in getting them released had been appreciated by the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and also DMK chief M Karunanidhi.

Vaiko had reportedly criticised Modi for greeting Rajapaksa at the recent SAARC summit in Nepal. Raja said the Centre had granted several schemes for Tamil Nadu. They had also announced that Thiruvalluvar day and poet Bharathiar's birthday would be celebrated as national festival.

He urged Tamil Nadu government to take appropriate action to check movements of Naxalites in the state, whose numbers were reportedly increasing.