Taking to X, PM Modi cited a TOI report, which claimed that then chief minister M Karunanidhi had given his concurrence to the agreement despite his party the DMK’s public posturing against the deal.
The Prime Minister alleged the ruling party of Tamil Nadu did nothing to safeguard the state’s interests. He also targeted the Congress saying that both the parties are “family units” who prioritize their family interests.
“Rhetoric aside, DMK has done NOTHING to safeguard Tamil Nadu’s interests. New details emerging on #Katchatheevu have UNMASKED the DMK’s double standards totally. Congress and DMK are family units. They only care that their own sons and daughters rise. They don’t care for anyone else. Their callousness on Katchatheevu has harmed the interests of our poor fishermen and fisherwomen in particular,” the PM wrote on the social media platform.
The Prime Minister’s remarks come in the wake of growing scrutiny over the historic agreement between India and Sri Lanka, signed during the tenure of the Indira Gandhi government in 1974. PM Modi said that the surrender of the Katchatheevu island amounted to a betrayal of national interests, sparking outrage among the populace.
The TOI report cited by PM Modi sheds light on the parliamentary debates surrounding the agreement, revealing the DMK’s vocal opposition to the unilateral decision made by the then government. Despite objections raised by DMK MP Era Sezhiyan and others, it was revealed that the then chief minister of Tamil Nadu, M Karunanidhi, had given his general acceptance to the deal during a meeting with foreign officials.
Documents accessed through RTI by the chief of TN BJP, K Annamalai, provided further insights into the discussions held between Karunanidhi and foreign officials, indicating his awareness and acquiescence to the agreement’s terms. However, the DMK continued to express outrage in parliament, unaware of Karunanidhi’s involvement in the decision-making process.
On Sunday, PM Modi targeted the Congress over the issue and came down heavily on the grand old party for giving away the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka during the tenure of the Indira Gandhi government in 1974. He said this has infuriated people, adding that the Congress can never be trusted. “Weakening India’s unity, integrity and interests has been the Congress’ way of working for 75 years and counting,” the PM wrote on X.