Fresh spat? Stalin to skip TN guv's R-Day 'At Home' reception

Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin will skip governor R N Ravi's "At Home" reception on Republic Day as he is scheduled to visit Madurai district's Melur the same evening, just days after Union mines ministry annulled Nayakkarpatti tungsten mining auction leading to protests by locals. Stalin will take part in Republic Day celebrations on Marina beachfront in the morning before leaving for Madurai. "The CM will visit the villages of Arittapatti and A Vallalapatti in the afternoon," a source said. Representatives from Melur met Stalin Saturday to express their gratitude for the unanimous passage of anti-tungsten resolution in the assembly. "Even after we held protests, Centre only backed down in the end. It was the CM who made it happen with his declaration that he would not allow the project as long as he is CM," said A Palaniandi, who led the delegation of villagers to thank Stalin.