Congress sides with Tamil parties on Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa invite New Delhi

Congress today sided with Tamil parties over the invitation sent to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for Narendra Modi's swearing-in, saying sentiments of the people of the state should be taken care of.

"Who has to be invited is a decision that has been taken by Modi. But we are of the view that the Tamil sentiments should be taken care of," party spokesperson Shakeel Ahmed told reporters here. His comment came amid sharp criticism by Tamil parties, including National Democratic Alliance (NDA) constituents Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and Paattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) to Modi's step.

MDMK chief Vaiko had separate meetings with Modi and BJP President Rajnath Singh to demand reconsideration of the decision. "Rajapksa is the butcher of Tamils. Mr Modi should reconsider the decision to invite him (for the swearing-in ceremony on May 26)," Vaiko told reporters after meeting the Prime Minister-designate.