Both the pontiffs, Sri Jayendra Saraswathi and Sri Vijayendra Saraswathi boycotted the function in which Union Railway Minister Nitish Kumar laid the foundation stone for the Chengalpattu-Arakkonam broad gauge. However, math sources said the acharyas stayed away responding to requests from hundreds of devotees.

The two acharyas later visited the railway station where the function was held to offer their blessings.

The function, however, was attended by Rev Martin Philip of the Church of South India and Janab K S Aslam Basha, president of the local Juma Masjid. State Transport Minister Dr Ponmudi participated as a special guest.

The Chief Minister triggered off the controversy in the Assembly on Monday, maintaining that it was wrong for the Railways to have invited Hindu religious heads alone, andthat the Transport Minister would boycott the function if Christian and Muslim leaders were not invited too.

The Southern Railway re-printed invitations yesterday after inviting Christian and Muslim heads, putting an end to the episode.