Chennai: Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s criticism of the MK Stalin government regarding the inclusion of a Chinese rocket in an advertisement for a new ISRO facility, Anitha Radhakrishnan, a leader of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Tamil Nadu minister, has acknowledged the error. Radhakrishnan admitted that officials failed to notice a mistake made by the advertisement designers. Speaking to ANI on Thursday, she stated, “In the newspaper advertisement we released regarding the establishment of a rocket launch pad in the Kulasekarapatnam area, a small mistake was made. The inclusion of the Chinese flag in the advertisement, which welcomed Prime Minister Narendra Modi, was an oversight by the designers, which we failed to notice.”
PM Modi Criticizes Tamil Nadu Government
PM Modi, during his speech in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli on Wednesday, criticized the DMK government for falsely taking credit for ISRO’s facility by pasting China’s sticker. He mentioned that the party does not contribute but is quick to claim achievements. Modi emphasized that the government’s actions insulted India’s scientists and the space sector, and it is time for the DMK to face consequences for their behavior.
BJP said ad showed DMK’s China tilt
Tamil Nadu BJP leader K Annamalai alleged that the advertisement displayed the DMK’s allegiance to China. “The advertisement published by DMK Minister Anita Radhakrishnan in prominent Tamil newspapers today is a clear indication of DMK’s loyalty towards China and their complete disregard for our nation’s sovereignty. DMK, a party known for its rampant corruption, has been eagerly trying to defame others ever since the announcement of ISRO’s second launch pad in Kulasekarapatinam,” he stated on X, Wednesday.
DMK’s counterattack
In response to Modi’s criticism, Kanimozhi, a DMK MP, emphasized on Wednesday that India has not designated China as an adversary. She highlighted the fact that Prime Minister Modi himself extended an invitation to Chinese leader Xi Jinping to visit India. “I firmly believe that India has not declared China as an enemy nation. I have witnessed the Prime Minister extending an invitation to the Chinese leader, and they have even visited Mahabalipuram together. It seems that you are attempting to divert attention from the truth by refusing to accept it,” she stated.