Katchatheevu island row: PM says ‘new details unmasked DMK’s double standards’

In Short

• PM Modi accuses DMK of double standards on Katchatheevu issue
• Claims new details have unmasked DMK’s inaction
• Alleges DMK and Congress only care for their own families

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has intensified criticism against the DMK regarding the Katchatheevu island issue, claiming that recent revelations have fully exposed what he describes as the party’s double standards. This statement follows his previous condemnation of the Congress for transferring the strategic island to Sri Lanka during the 1970s.

Taking to social media platform X, the Prime Minister asserted, “Despite their rhetoric, the DMK has failed to take any significant action to protect Tamil Nadu’s interests. The emergence of new information on #Katchatheevu has laid bare the DMK’s hypocrisy entirely.”

Furthermore, he accused both the Congress and the DMK of prioritizing familial interests over the welfare of the nation. Modi criticized their alleged neglect of the concerns of Tamil Nadu’s fishermen, who routinely face detention by the Sri Lankan Navy upon venturing near the island.

The Prime Minister’s comments come in the wake of a Right To Information (RTI) report that revealed the circumstances surrounding the Congress government’s decision to cede Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka four decades ago. Modi cited this report as evidence of the Congress party’s historical disregard for India’s unity and interests.

Echoing Modi’s sentiments, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also lambasted the DMK and Congress for their handling of the Katchatheevu issue. Jaishankar emphasized the persistent efforts made by various parties, including the Tamil Nadu government, to address the matter over the years.

He underscored that the Katchatheevu issue has been a recurring topic in parliamentary discussions and correspondence between the union and state governments. Jaishankar criticized the DMK and Congress for seemingly shirking responsibility, asserting that every political party in Tamil Nadu has engaged with the issue.

The External Affairs Minister urged transparency, stating that the public deserves to know the truth behind the Katchatheevu controversy. He emphasized that the issue continues to affect fishermen’s livelihoods and remains a subject of ongoing parliamentary debate.

Modi’s remarks drew swift rebuttals from the Congress and DMK, with the former questioning the BJP-led NDA government’s efforts to reclaim the island and the latter accusing the ruling party of evading accountability by resorting to blame games.