In a recent controversy, an advertisement celebrating the construction of a second launch pad for India’s space agency ISRO in Tamil Nadu has stirred heated debate after featuring an image of the Chinese flag on the depicted rocket. The ad, commissioned by Tamil Nadu’s Animal Husbandry Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan, showcases Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister MK Stalin alongside the rocket, with the contentious emblem sparking outrage due to its resemblance to the Chinese national flag.
The controversy has drawn sharp criticism from Prime Minister Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who have accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of pasting China’s sticker to falsely claim credit for the ISRO launchpad. PM Modi condemned the DMK, alleging a lack of acknowledgment for India’s progress in the space sector and accusing them of insulting the country’s scientists and space achievements.
The BJP’s state unit leader, K Annamalai, echoed Modi’s sentiments, denouncing the DMK’s alleged disregard for India’s sovereignty and branding the rocket issue as a manifestation of the DMK’s allegiance to China. He called for accountability and a minimum apology from the DMK for their actions.
In response, Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi, representing the constituency where the ISRO facility will be situated, defended her party, acknowledging the error in the advertisement but downplaying its significance. She argued against labeling China as an “enemy country” and accused the BJP of diverting attention from the issue.
The incident highlights the tense political climate in Tamil Nadu, with PM Modi’s visit coinciding with the controversy, further intensifying the rhetoric between the BJP and the DMK. As the debate continues, the focus remains on the implications of the advertisement and its impact on the upcoming general elections.
Sources By Agencies
