Fresh revelations concerning Katchatheevu have thoroughly exposed the duplicity of the DMK: Prime Minister Modi

In the heart of New Delhi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again addressed the Katchatheevu island quandary, lambasting the DMK for what he deemed their “unmasked” hypocrisy on the matter. Speaking through a selected medium, PM Modi referenced a report from The Times of India, alleging that the then-chief minister, M. Karunanidhi, had consented to the agreement despite the DMK’s public denunciation of the deal.

The Premier accused the ruling Tamil Nadu party of negligence towards the state’s welfare and also took aim at the Congress, branding both factions as “dynastic entities” that prioritise their own kin over broader interests.

“In rhetoric, the DMK portrays itself as a defender of Tamil Nadu’s interests. However, the latest revelations regarding Katchatheevu have laid bare the party’s hypocrisy. The Congress and DMK operate as dynasties, concerned solely with the ascension of their own progeny. They exhibit a blatant disregard for the well-being of others. Their indifference towards Katchatheevu has inflicted harm, particularly upon our impoverished fishermen and fisherwomen,” expressed the Prime Minister on social media.

These comments from the Prime Minister follow heightened scrutiny over the historical pact between India and Sri Lanka, inked during the tenure of the Indira Gandhi administration in 1974. PM Modi asserted that relinquishing Katchatheevu equated to a betrayal of national interests, eliciting widespread public outrage.

The referenced Times of India report illuminated the parliamentary discourse surrounding the agreement, uncovering the DMK’s vocal opposition to the unilateral decision made by the former government. Despite objections voiced by DMK MP Era Sezhiyan and others, it was disclosed that M. Karunanidhi, then-chief minister of Tamil Nadu, had tacitly approved the deal during discussions with foreign dignitaries.

Documents obtained via RTI by the chief of the TN BJP, K. Annamalai, offered further insights into the exchanges between Karunanidhi and foreign representatives, revealing his awareness of and consent to the agreement’s terms. Nonetheless, the DMK persisted in expressing outrage in parliament, oblivious to Karunanidhi’s involvement in the decision-making process.