Prime Minister Narendra Modi lashed out at the Congress party on Sunday, accusing it of compromising India’s sovereignty by ceding the disputed Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka in 1974. His remarks came in response to revelations from a recent Right To Information (RTI) application, which exposed the Congress-led government’s decision under then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to hand over the strategic island to Sri Lanka.
"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," he said on X, sharing the report.
Modi said, "Weakening India's unity, integrity and interests has been Congress' way of working for 75 years and counting."
Loss of trust in Congress
PM Modi underscored the erosion of trust in Congress, asserting that the controversial decision to surrender Katchatheevu Island had stirred widespread anger among Indians. He emphasised the party’s long-standing history of compromising India’s unity and interests.
Historical background
The article alleged that the late Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had dismissed concerns about Katchatheevu Island’s sovereignty as inconsequential. It further claims that despite vehement opposition from the opposition, the decision was ultimately conceded.
Past remarks resurface
PM Modi’s condemnation echoed previous statements made in Parliament, where he accused the Indira Gandhi-led government of ceding Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka in 1974. He lamented the historical divide caused by political maneuvering and emphasized the need to acknowledge past injustices.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s critique
Responding to PM Modi’s assertions, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin challenged the Prime Minister’s narrative, alleging that he had misled the public during a recent rally in Kanyakumari. Stalin reiterated Tamil Nadu’s historical opposition to the cession of Katchatheevu Island, highlighting the DMK government’s staunch resistance to the decision.
Amit Shah slams Congress, accuses party of undermining national unity
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched a scathing attack on the Congress party on Sunday, March 31, in light of revelations surrounding the Katchatheevu island controversy. Shah’s criticism stemmed from a recent Right To Information (RTI) report exposing the decision made by the then-Prime Minister, Indira Gandhi’s government, to cede control of the strategic Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka in 1974.
Allegations of divisive politics
Expressing his disdain for the Congress’s actions, Shah accused the party of engaging in divisive politics and disparaging Indian culture and traditions. He took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to deliver his message, stating, “Slow claps for Congress! They willingly gave up #Katchatheevu and had no regrets about it either.”
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