Amid escalating tensions over the Katchatheevu issue, BJP leaders have lambasted the Congress for allegedly conceding Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka. In response, Congress leaders have called on Prime Minister Modi to furnish a “white paper report,” elucidating his government’s actions over the preceding decade.
Annamalai voiced apprehensions regarding the ramifications of surrendering this “crucial piece of Bharat” on Tamil Nadu’s fishing community. He squarely attributed the blame to the Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for their purported involvement in ceding Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka.
Several BJP luminaries, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, rebuked the Congress in response to the RTI revelation. This evoked sharp retorts from Congress leaders and a DMK spokesperson. Here’s the key commentary from prominent figures:
PM Modi: Expressing astonishment, he accused the Congress of recklessly surrendering Katchatheevu. Modi underscored that such actions have corroded trust in the Congress over the years.
Amit Shah: Shah cynically lauded the Congress, spotlighting their readiness to relinquish Katchatheevu without contrition. He indicted the Congress of undermining Indian culture and traditions, insinuating their opposition to India’s unity and integrity.
BJP National Chief JP Nadda: Nadda expressed dismay at the Congress’ alleged negligence, characterizing it as a recurring pattern of relinquishing Indian territory whenever the opportunity arises.
Nirmala Sitharaman: Sharing insights from the RTI response, she underscored the transfer of Katchatheevu in 1976 and the purported inaction of prior administrations.
Kangana Ranaut: The Bollywood luminary and BJP contender invoked former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s stance on the matter.
In retaliation, the Congress dismissed PM Modi’s remarks as “selective propaganda” driven by electoral objectives in Tamil Nadu. They scrutinized the BJP’s governance during their tenure and demanded accountability from the Prime Minister concerning the prevailing border situation with China.
Tamil Nadu Congress President K Selvaperunthagai called for a white paper report from PM Modi delineating the government’s activities over the preceding decade. Similarly, DMK spokesperson Saravanan Annadurai criticized PM Modi for only addressing the Katchatheevu issue now and queried the BJP’s endeavours to reclaim the island despite being in power for numerous years.
