Rajapakse faces MDMK's opposition over Sanchi visit

The proposed visit of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapakse to Sanchi next week for laying foundation of a Buddhist University is mired in controversy with MDMK strongly opposing it even as the Madhya Pradesh government has stated that his schedule will not be changed.

In a letter to MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) general secretary Vaiko urged the state government to cancel the visit of Rajapakse, scheduled on September 21, as it will amount to "unpardonable betrayal against not only Tamils of Tamilnadu, but also Tamils all over the world."

MDMK is opposed to the visit of the leader owing to the alleged genocide of Tamils in the island nation.

However, the state government has said that the visit of Rajapakse to Sanchi will not be changed.

Vaiko further said in the letter (copy of which is available with PTI) "MDMK will hold a black flag demonstration at Sanchi against Mahinda Rajapakse on September 21 through peaceful means, in a democratic manner."

"I will lead the agitation, in which not less than 1,000 rank and file of MDMK will participate," Vaiko said in his letter.

He also said people of Tamilnadu were "terribly shocked" over the announcement made by Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, Sushma Swaraj, that on her invitation Rajapakse will participate in the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Buddhist University, being set up at world famous Sanchi, about 45 kms from here.