Rameswaram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday took a veiled swipe at Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin during his visit to Rameswaram, weighing in on the ongoing debate over the three-language policy.

‘Sign in Tamil if you’re proud of it’

Speaking at a public gathering after inaugurating the new Pamban Railway Bridge, the Prime Minister expressed surprise that leaders from Tamil Nadu don’t sign their letters in Tamil, despite their vocal support for the language.

“Sometimes, I am surprised when I receive letters from some leaders of Tamil Nadu — none of them are signed in Tamil. If we are truly proud of Tamil, then I would request everyone to at least sign their names in Tamil,” he said, underlining the importance of embracing one's native language in practice.

PM Modi also highlighted his government’s initiatives to promote Tamil language and culture on the global stage.

“We are working continuously to ensure that Tamil language and Tamil heritage reach every corner of the world,” he added.

His remarks come in the context of ongoing tensions between the DMK-led state government and the Centre. Tamil Nadu has consistently accused the BJP government of trying to impose Hindi and sideline regional languages, especially Tamil.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new Pamban Railway Bridge — a key infrastructure project in Ramanathapuram district.

This new structure is India’s first vertical lift railway sea bridge, marking a major milestone in indigenous railway engineering. PM Modi remotely operated the bridge’s vertical lift span to allow a Coast Guard vessel to pass through, demonstrating its technological advancement.

New train to boost regional connectivity

As part of the event, the Prime Minister also flagged off a new train service between Rameswaram and Tambaram in Chennai. The move is aimed at improving travel for daily commuters and pilgrims alike, enhancing regional connectivity in the state.

Stalin gives event a miss

Though Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin did not attend the function due to prior commitments in the Nilgiris, several dignitaries were present.

These included Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, State Minister Thangam Thennarasu, BJP leaders K. Annamalai, Sudhakar Reddy, H. Raja, and Nainar Nagenthiran, along with Ramanathapuram District Collector Simranjeet Singh Kahlon.

IANS