BJP Slams TN CM MK Stalin for Skipping PM Modi’s Event, Cites Prior Commitment in Ooty

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Sunday launched a strong criticism against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for not attending Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s official engagements in the state.

Annamalai Criticizes Stalin’s Absence

Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai accused Chief Minister MK Stalin of insulting the Prime Minister by choosing not to participate in the events.

Stalin was in Udhagamandalam (Ooty) to inaugurate a government hospital and said he had informed the Prime Minister of his inability to attend the programme in Rameswaram, where Modi inaugurated the new Pamban Bridge and launched other developmental projects worth over ₹8,000 crore.

Stalin clarified, “We have sought an appointment to present the memorandum on the delimitation… Since I am taking part in this government function I have conveyed to the PM about my inability to take part in his meeting and deputed our Ministers Thangam Thennarasu and Raja Kannappan.”

He added, “Through this meeting and through you, I hereby seek the Prime Minister to allay the fears of delimitation.”

‘Not Acceptable,’ Says Annamalai

Reacting to Stalin’s statement, Annamalai expressed regret and disapproval. “The reason given by him (CM) is not acceptable. He knows about PM’s arrival, as the discussions were happening for long. The Prime Minister did not go to New Delhi directly from Sri Lanka but came here to dedicate projects. That being the case, it is the primary duty of the CM to welcome the PM,” he told PTI.

Annamalai alleged Stalin avoided the event due to the hot weather in Rameswaram. “He went to Ooty since it is hot in Rameswaram, and he can’t bear the heat.”

He added that the BJP “strongly condemns” Stalin for skipping the programme.

Accusations of Political Motives

Annamalai further stated that Stalin should have shown respect to the Prime Minister and owed an apology to the people of Tamil Nadu.

“The CM has failed to do his duty, should have given due respect to the PM. The chief minister has insulted the Prime Minister, who came for the sake of the people of Tamil Nadu. He should apologise to the people of Tamil Nadu. He is doing politics by speaking about delimitation.”

The BJP leader accused Stalin of putting personal and political motives above public welfare.

PM Modi’s Major Launches in Tamil Nadu

During his visit to Rameswaram, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the newly constructed Pamban Rail Bridge, India’s first vertical lift sea bridge, and launched various infrastructure projects amounting to more than ₹8,300 crore.

The initiatives included major rail and road developments across Tamil Nadu.

In addition, the Prime Minister visited the Ramanathaswamy Temple, performing darshan and pooja, marking the spiritual importance of the occasion.

Annamalai’s Sharp Remarks on Social Media

Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Annamalai criticized Stalin’s absence and accused him of dodging an important central government initiative.

He posted, “Instead of participating in this highly significant event, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Mr. @mkstalin cited a state government function as an excuse and went to Nilgiris to enjoy a holiday.”

He added, “Our Hon PM Thiru @narendramodi avl today inaugurated India’s first vertical-lift sea bridge in Pamban and also inaugurated various developmental projects in Tamil Nadu after arriving here after a successful state visit in Sri Lanka.”

BJP Alleges Publicity Politics by DMK

Annamalai also charged the ruling DMK with engaging in what he called “publicity-driven politics” and claimed they were ignoring Tamil Nadu’s development needs. He warned that public perception would shift in the next election cycle.

“The people of Tamil Nadu are watching everything. In 2026, they will reject the DMK’s negligent attitude and authoritarian style of governance. The time for change has already begun,” he said.

CM Stalin Focused on Delimitation Concerns

At the government function in Ooty, Stalin reiterated his concerns about Parliamentary delimitation, saying he had already conveyed the issue to the Prime Minister through his deputed ministers.

“We have sought an appointment to present the memorandum on the delimitation… Since I am taking part in this government function I have conveyed to the PM about my inability to take part in his meeting and deputed our Ministers Thangam Thennarasu and Raja Kannappan. Through this meeting and through you, I hereby seek the Prime Minister to allay the fears of delimitation,” he said.

BJP Calls It a Missed Opportunity

Referring once again to the absence of Stalin, Annamalai said, “The CM has failed to do his duty, should have given the due respect to the PM. The chief minister has insulted the Prime Minister, who came for the sake of the people of Tamil Nadu. He should apologise to the people of Tamil Nadu. He is doing politics by speaking about delimitation.”

He concluded by calling Stalin’s actions a “drama” and reiterated that the BJP considers his absence a deliberate political move.