Union Minister of State in PMO V Narayansamy today said it was "not proper" for Sri Lanka to take exception to the pro-Eelam TESO conference scheduled on August 12 here under the leadership of DMK chief M Karunanidhi but said Congress will not participate in it.
Answering reporters' queries about Sri Lanka's reported apprehensions with a Minister saying those participating in the meet from his country would be monitored, Narayanasamy said this was an event happening in India.
"When an event or conference happens in India, it is not proper for others to criticise. Not just Tamils in the state but those all over the country have a right to support efforts for the livelihood of Sri Lankan Tamils. Others (countries) commenting upon that cannot be accepted," he said.
Karunanidhi had yesterday accused Colombo of unleashing a "negative campaign," against the first meet of the revived Tamil Ealam Supporters' Organisation (TESO) here, saying it was not aimed against that country but would only discuss ways for the betterment of the minority Tamils there.
However, Congress, an ally of DMK, will not participate in the meeting as "we have a differing stand," Narayanasamy said.
To a question on Lokpal, he said the government was trying to build a consensus on the issue and rope in the Opposition.
On yoga guru Baba Ramdev going on three-day fast over blackmoney issue, he charged him with trying to malign the government and gain publicity.
The government was doing all in its capacity to bring back blackmoney from abroad and this included inking pacts with countries involved, he added.
