The DMK, led by former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi, today said Narendra Modi could have "avoided" inviting Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa for his May 26 swearing-in ceremony, saying the BJP leader should "understand the feelings" of the people of Tamil Nadu.

The fact that the Sri Lankan leader was invited as part of the BJP's decision to invite heads of all SAARC nations failed to cut ice with the Karunanidhi-led party, with senior leader T K S Elangovan insisting that people in the state were "charged with anger" against Colombo for alleged human rights violations on ethnic minority Tamils.

"Rajapaksa is part of SAARC union, so they might have sent the invitation. But the Prime Minister (designate-Modi) should also understand the feelings of people of Tamil Nadu," Elangovan, DMK's Organising Secretary and also party's spokesperson, said.

He said Tamils in the island nation were "attacked and human rights violations" against them were happening and most countries had criticised the Sri Lankan government's actions.

"People of Tamil Nadu are charged with anger. He (Modi) could have avoided (inviting Rajapakse)," he said.

MDMK, an ally of BJP, had already opposed Rajapaksa's participation in Modi's swearing-in but other major NDA constituents in the state--DMDK and PMK, are yet to make their stand official on this matter. (With inputs from Outlook India)