BJP responsible for Rajapakse’s visit to MP: Vasan

Chennai:

Union Shipping Minister G K Vasan put the ball in BJP’s court on the opposition to President Mahinda Rajapakse’s visit to India.

“He is visiting a BJP ruled state. The BJP should answer this,” he said while replying to a query from reporters after the inauguration of the 3^rd Southern region shipping Conclave.

The Sri Lankan president is expected to visit Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh for a Buddhist function on September 21.

The minister also joined the chorus of Tamil Nadu government in opposing training to Sri Lankan defence personnel. He said the Tamil Nadu congress Committee opposes the training to Lankan defence personnel in India. However, he criticized the attacks on Sri lankan pilgrims and said the cultural ties should not be politicized.

On the Coalgate, Vasan said the the government was ready for debate on the issue but BJP was shying away from it. He said BJP should take full responsibility for stalling parliament proceedings.