Union Minister L Murugan said that the Congress and DMK abandoned Tamil Nadu by giving Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka

Union Minister L Murugan tells R Kirubakaran that the Katchatheevu issue has not been brought up again for the polls, but rather for the people to realize that the Congress and DMK have betrayed them and to use the next election to teach them a lesson. Murugan has been busy campaigning for the LS polls in the Nilgiris parliamentary constituency.

What is the rationale for the BJP’s discussion of Katchatheevu some fifty years later?

The topic hasn’t been raised only to influence the outcome of the election. Our State President Annamalai had spent a considerable amount of time gathering proof in this regard. His efforts have led him to expose the ways in which the Congress and DMK have been misleading the public up to this point. Fishermen in Tamil Nadu are suffering greatly as a result of Sri Lanka gaining control of Katchatheevu. Up until 2014, the Sri Lankan Navy has shot and killed almost 1,000 fishermen. The BJP administration, which is undoubtedly concerned for the welfare of fishermen, worked hard to avert these tragedies after 2014. Five fishermen in Sri Lanka were about to be executed by hanging until the national government stepped in and intervened. It still takes different actions to better the lives and livelihoods of fishermen. In contrast, they have been misled by the Congress and DMK, who gave Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. Yes, the relevant papers were made public before of the votes, but there was no intention to influence the outcome politically.

Q. How will these leaked papers affect the election, in your opinion?

Once again, the BJP avoided bringing up the subject in light of the election. Had we only want to concentrate on the polls, the national government would have unveiled a visually appealing budget that boasted several giveaways. Rather, we have crafted a budget that will provide the framework for the India of the future. The livelihoods of people, the wellbeing of the nation, security, and progress are the sole priorities of the BJP. The BJP’s disclosure of Katchatheevu’s facts would make people aware of the Congress and DMK’s treachery. This election will serve as an appropriate lesson from the people to them.

Q. The government of Tamil Nadu has said that it has been pressing the center to act appropriately regarding the assault on fishermen in Tamil Nadu. What steps has the national government taken to guarantee their security and well-being?

The rescue of Tamil Nadu fishermen who had been detained has been stepped up since the BJP took office, and a new ministry dedicated to the welfare of fishermen has been formed. The total amount allotted for the welfare of fishermen in the nation from the time of independence till 2014 was about Rs 3,400 crore. After establishing a distinct ministry, Rs 38,500 crore has been allotted in the last ten years since the BJP took office. We are the biggest exporter of processed shrimp and the fourth-largest exporter of marine goods. We are in the process of establishing cutting-edge international fishing harbors in five locations throughout India, including Chennai, and a seaweed park in Tamil Nadu.

Tamil Nadu was betrayed by the Congress and DMK when they gave Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka: Union Minister L Murugan’s “Belligerent” remarks on Katchatheevu would incite conflict between the Tamils and the Sri Lankan government: Chidambaram Q. Why did the Prime Minister visit Tamil Nadu just before the elections, even though he had not been to the state throughout the floods?

Rajnath Singh, the Union Minister of Defence, and I moved swiftly after the floods. The prime minister quickly made available Rs 460 crore for disaster assistance. During the period of severe flooding in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi, where was Chief Minister M K Stalin? Rather of interacting with the people of the afflicted areas, he had gone to the INDIA Alliance gathering. Helping people on the ground were the minister of defense and myself. In addition to other central department officials and the armed forces, the union home minister sent an NDRF for rescue efforts. Tamil Nadu’s flood relief operations were fully funded by the federal government.

Q. The opposition has said that the government is utilizing agencies like ED and I-T to get money from private companies in relation to the election bond problem. Why is funding from businesses the subject of ED and IT investigations necessary?

In addition to not knowing who had contributed money, the central government did not exert any pressure on anybody in the situation. Private businesses have long provided funding to political parties of their choosing. Election bonds have also been a major source of fundraising for the Congress and other state parties, including the DMK, TMC, and TRS. No one has ever been made to send money by the federal government. Furthermore, the Prime Minister has said unequivocally that these agencies—ED and IT—operate on their own.

Q. During election season, the Delhi High Court has reopened the 2G case against former Union Minister A Raja, who also happens to be your competitor (DMK) candidate in the Nilgiris seat. In what way would the 2G example be useful to you right now? Do you believe it might have any kind of effect?

The truth is that earlier administrations handled the matter improperly. After looking into the case, the CBI filed an appeal contesting the acquittals. The court ultimately acknowledged it after six months of discussion. The court called the matter up for trial because there was sufficient evidence of the offense to support an appeal. There is no one who can sway the powerful Indian court. This is not being done for political reasons. It has come to light that there are several DMK officials implicated in this affair. In addition, Nilgiris are progressive and supportive of advancement. Corrupt politicians will be rejected by them.

Q. You were declared as a Madhya Pradesh Rajya Sabha MP, and then you were fielded to run from the Nilgiris parliamentary constituency, as was anticipated. What justification existed for the change?

In addition to being re-elected as a Rajya Sabha MP from Madhya Pradesh to represent Tamil Nadu, I am still a federal minister. The party wants me to run, win the LS elections, and be elected as an MP at the same time. Once I beat A Raja, the DMK candidate, I shall represent Nilgiris in parliament as an MP.

As a former BJP state president, what do you think of Annamalai’s assertive style? How can it advance the party’s development?

In the current political climate, aggressive politics are essential. Along with resisting the DMK and exposing its corruption, it is also essential. The public expects us to act in this manner, and this is what our state president is doing.

Q. Do you think AIADMK’s departure from the alliance was due to this new, aggressive strategy? Do you believe that if AIADMK had remained, the chances of winning would have been greater?

It is not we who should be concerned about AIADMK’s departure. The BJP has emerged into a strong political force in the state, and ten or more of our MPs are now serving in parliament. We are not worried about anybody quitting the alliance since the PM is our hero and the NDA has the backing of the people.

Q. Why did the center lower the cost of gasoline, diesel, and LPG cylinders just before the election?

These necessities have only been under control over the last 10 years. Regarding the cost of gasoline and diesel, they are set by world events. As a present to his sisters throughout the nation on Women’s Day and Raksha Bandhan, Prime Minister Modi announced a price decrease. This has nothing to do with politics.

Q. You have risen from the state leadership of the BJP to the federal cabinet position. Are you planning to get back into state politics?

I am only a regular BJP cadre. I just do what the party leadership directs. Not that I have no interest in state politics at all, but I will only follow the party’s choice. I don’t have any personal grievances in this respect. For example, Annamalai has declared his preference for state politics. Everybody takes a different approach.

Tamil Nadu was betrayed by the Congress and DMK when they gave Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka: Which is more harmful in politics: Black money or electoral bonds, according to Union Minister L Murugan?