New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi vehemently criticized the Congress party on Sunday, accusing it of recklessly relinquishing control of the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka during the 1970s. PM Modi, in a social media post sharing a detailed news article chronicling the events leading to Sri Lanka’s acquisition of the island, asserted that the Congress party cannot be relied upon. He expressed dismay and emphasized the profound impact of this revelation on the Indian populace, stating, “Eye-opening and startling! New facts reveal how Congress callously gave away Katchatheevu. This has angered every Indian and reaffirmed in people’s minds – we can’t ever trust Congress.”
Furthermore, PM Modi accused the Congress of consistently undermining India’s unity, integrity, and national interests. “Weakening India’s unity, integrity, and interests has been Congress’ modus operandi for 75 years and counting,” he added.
The article highlights that former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had dismissed the issue as inconsequential. It further alleges that despite staunch opposition from the Opposition, the decision to relinquish control was made. Last year, PM Modi addressed the Parliament, revealing that the Indira Gandhi-led government had handed over the Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974.
PM Modi’s remarks in the Lok Sabha included, “These people divided mother India into three parts for politics… Katchatheevu is an island between Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka. Somebody gave it to another country. It happened under the leadership of Indira Gandhi.”
Situated between Rameswaram (India) and Sri Lanka, the island historically served both Sri Lankan and Indian fishermen. However, in 1974, then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi recognized Katchatheevu as Sri Lankan territory.
Addressing the issue during a recent rally in Tamil Nadu, PM Modi reiterated his concerns.
Earlier this month, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin accused the Prime Minister of making false claims during his rally in Kanyakumari on March 15, asserting that Tamil Nadu fishermen were facing issues with Sri Lanka solely due to the past actions of the DMK.
In response, Stalin wrote on social media, “The Tamil Nadu people know the true history pretty well; that the Katchatheevu island was ceded (1974, 1976 agreements) to Sri Lanka despite the stiff opposition of the DMK government. Is the Prime Minister naive to the extent of believing that a state government can give away a portion of the country to another country?”