Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai on Sunday, April 6, 2025, lambasted Chief Minister MK Stalin, demanding an apology to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for flouting protocol during Modi’s visit to Rameswaram.

While inaugurating the New Pamban Bridge and dedicating projects worth over Rs 8,300 crore, Modi had subtly criticized Tamil Nadu leaders for not signing letters in Tamil. Annamalai escalated the attack, accusing Stalin of shirking his duty by neither receiving the PM nor attending a scheduled meeting with him.

“Stalin broke protocol by not welcoming the Prime Minister, a basic courtesy expected of a Chief Minister. Instead of facing his responsibilities, he ran off to Ooty,” Annamalai said to reporters, referencing Stalin’s reported absence from the event during Modi’s visit. He tied this to Modi’s earlier language remark, saying, “The PM is promoting Tamil globally, yet Stalin can’t even muster the dignity to greet him during such a visit.”

Annamalai’s demand for an apology fuels the ongoing BJP-DMK rift, spotlighting Tamil Nadu’s linguistic pride and political etiquette. Stalin’s absence, amid a busy Ram Navami schedule, has drawn sharp criticism from BJP ranks, who see it as a snub to Modi’s efforts, including his push for Tamil in medical education. The episode underscores simmering tensions as the state braces for more high-profile visits, with Modi set to return on April 19.