Piloting the resolution, Jayalalithaa hit out at the UPA government charging that India's participation would give an impression that it was endorsing the "inhuman" deeds of Sri Lankan government (against ethinic Tamils) "whose sufferings continued even four years after the end of the war."
"In this situation, India's participation would amount to defending the war criminals," she claimed adding the country would have to be "guilty" of facilitating the Sri Lankan President in holding the post of "Chair-in-office of Commonwealth" grouping for the next two years.
In the last ten years, out of the 10 CHOGM, the Prime Minister had not attended five of them.
"Hence the Centre's present decision can only be seen as a routine one and neither giving any consolation to the Tamils nor respecting their sentiments," she said in apparent attack on her bete noir DMK chief M Karunanidhi who had termed the Prime Minister's decision not to attend the meet as 'some consolation'.
The resolution read: "Respecting the sentiments and feeling of Tamils, even for namesake, none should represent India in the Commonwealth Summit. This House again demands of the Indian government that the country should boycott completely this CHOGM.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
