Jayalalithaa's Silence on Narendra Modi's Invite to Lankan President is Telling

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa's silence on the invitation extended by Prime Minister-elect Narendra Modi to Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa to attend his oath ceremony, has drawn more attention than the vocal protests of other leaders in the state. (Will Nawaz Sharif Attend Narendra Modi's Swearing-in? Decision Later Today)

The BJP's ally MDMK has opposed the participation of Mr Rajapaksa in the May 26 swearing-in ceremony of Mr Modi, saying his presence would hurt the feelings of the Tamil people. The DMK headed by M Karunanidhi, said Mr Modi could have "avoided" inviting the Sri Lankan President and also that the Prime Minister should "understand the feelings" of the people of Tamil Nadu. (BJP's Tamil Nadu Ally MDMK Opposes Lankan President's Presence at Modi Swearing-in)

But the chief minister, whose party, the AIADMK just swept the general elections in the state, is yet to make her stand clear on the issue. AIADMK sources said the party views it as a first faux pas by Mr Modi, who has won a big mandate to head a government at the Centre. The invitation to Mr Rajapaksa would hurt Tamil sentiment, AIADMK leaders said. (Narendra Modi Could Have Avoided Inviting Lankan President for Swearing-in: DMK)

Ms Jayalalithaa, who is said to share a good rapport with Mr Modi, might choose to skip the swearing-in ceremony if the Sri Lankan President attends, rather than publicly protest, the sources said.  

Mr Rajapaksa has confirmed he will attend. 

While campaigning for the general elections, Mr Modi and Ms Jayalalithaa had attacked each other politically, but after each posted a spectacular win - Mr Modi nationally and Ms Jayalalithaa in her state - they exchanged warm greetings, congratulating each other.

In the past both have attended the other's oath ceremonies as chief ministers.

But, AIADMK sources point out, their party chief has always sought action against Sri Lanka for alleged war crimes against Tamil civilians in that country. Most political parties in Tamil Nadu allege that civilian casualties and human rights violations against Tamils peaked during the last leg of the war against the LTTE with Mr Rajapaksa in charge.

It is a very sensitive political issue in Tamil Nadu, where assembly elections are due in 2016. Ms Jayalalithaa will not like to provide political fodder for her opponents to attack her.

Prakash Javadekar, senior BJP leader said, "Atalji had said you can choose your friends but you can't choose your neighbours, Modi ji is following just that."