Even as various Tamil groups continue their protest against the invitation to Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa to the swearing-in ceremony of Prime Minister-designate Narendra Modi, several outfits mounted pressure on actor Rajinikanth to boycott the event.

A group of students, belonging to Balachander Students Movement, held a march towards Rajini’s house at Poes Garden, demanding that the actor opt out of attending Modi’s swearing-in ceremony at New Delhi on Monday. However, the police stopped them at Binny Road, nearly 500 metres away from the actor’s house. In all, about 10 students were arrested.

Police said that security had already been strengthened in the area in anticipation of the protest. A police team was also deployed near actor Vijay’s house as he too had received an invitation to attend Modi’s swearing-in. However, after an announcement that the actor will not be able to go Delhi due to a film shooting, no protest took place near Vijay’s house.

Earlier in the day, various Tamil groups and law college students blocked trains at Tambaram and Tiruvallur Railway stations to lodge their protest. Monday too will witness protests as various Tamil groups have called for series of agitations on the issue in the city.

Meanwhile, there is no official announcement from Rajini about his participation. Sources said it was very unlikely that he would make it to New Delhi on Monday.

Meanwhile, the pro-Eelam outfit May 17 Movement too joined the agitation by conducting a demonstration.

The coordinator of the Movement, G Thirumurugan said, “The SL govt is talking about a goodwill gesture in releasing TN fishermen but this is just a farce. All Tamil outfits will join in our protest if the Centre stands by its decision.” (TNIE)