Tamil Nadu Sports Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin met Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Thursday. This marks Udhayanidhi's first visit to PM Modi since his speech against 'Sanatan Dharma,' which sparked controversy between the DMK and BJP. During the meet, Udhayanidhi Stalin invited PM Modi for the opening ceremony of 'Khelo India Youth Games' to be hosted in Chennai from January 19, 2024. The Minister also sought the immediate release of additional central funds of relief and rehabilitation work in flood-affected Tamil Nadu.
Taking to X, Udhayanidhi Stalin said, "Glad to have invited Hon’ble Indian Prime Minister, @narendramodi in New Delhi today for the Opening Ceremony of the Khelo India Youth Games to be held in Chennai on January 19th, 2024."
"On behalf of the Tamil Nadu Government, I requested the Prime Minister for the immediate release of National Disaster Relief Fund to undertake comprehensive relief, restoration and rehabilitation works in flood affected districts of TN as requested by our Hon'ble Chief Minister @mkstalin. The Prime Minister assured us that he would take necessary steps," he said.
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During the meeting, Udhayanidhi said that he presented a coffee table book on the successful conduct of CM Trophy Games 2023 and Asian Men's Hockey Championship hosted by Tamil Nadu.
Udhayanidhi Stalin also met Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. TN Sports Minister after the visit referred to Rahul as his "brother" and said that they briefly discussed "the progress of the I.N.D.I. Alliance in safeguarding the secular ethos of the nation".
Earlier this week, PM Modi shared the stage with TN CM Stalin while attending a convocation and public event in the state.