A heated exchange unfolded between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge, both online and offline, over the contentious issue of Katchatheevu Island. PM Modi accused the Congress, under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s leadership, of recklessly relinquishing Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. Kharge countered by questioning why Modi didn’t pursue the island’s reclaiming during his ten-year tenure, branding Modi’s timing as “desperate” in the run-up to the elections.
Citing a media report, PM Modi asserted that recent revelations unveiled the Congress’ decision to surrender Katchatheevu, undermining Indian trust and national interests over decades.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar echoed Modi’s viewpoint, emphasizing the necessity for transparency regarding historical decisions. Meanwhile, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi underscored the adverse repercussions of the Congress’ action on Tamil Nadu fishermen, now susceptible to arrest by Sri Lankan authorities near the island.
In response to Modi’s allegations, the Congress reminded him of his government’s analogous actions, such as the Land Boundary Agreement with Bangladesh. Kharge accused Modi of opportunistically exploiting sensitive issues for electoral advantage, citing previous conciliatory gestures toward Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
The DMK and its ally, the Congress, decried Modi’s assertions, affirming their opposition to the ceding of Katchatheevu in 1974. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President K. Selvaperunthagai demanded answers from Modi on pressing matters, including Chinese incursions, the Parliament security breach, and the Pulwama terror attack.
Amid escalating political tensions, the Katchatheevu Island debate underscores the intricate interplay of territorial integrity and national security, shaping the discourse preceding the Lok Sabha elections.
