PM Modi Hits Out At DMK Over "China Rocket" Advertisement

Defense News ,India :- Title: "Controversial Ad Sparks Outcry: Chinese Flag on Indian Space Launch Poster"

In a recent newspaper ad celebrating the establishment of a new launch pad for India's space agency ISRO in Tamil Nadu's Kulsekarapatinam, a major controversy has erupted due to an image of the Chinese flag prominently featured on the rocket in the advertisement. The ad, commissioned by Tamil Nadu's Animal Husbandry Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan in his personal capacity, emphasizes the role of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in bringing this long-awaited project to the state.

The poster depicts Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister MK Stalin alongside a rocket in the background. The contentious element is the rocket itself, bearing a resemblance to the Chinese national flag with its red nose adorned by four golden stars arced around a larger fifth star.

Despite Minister Radhakrishnan being unavailable for comment, Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi, in whose constituency the ISRO facility will be located, defended her party, attributing the error to the artwork designer. She argued that the issue does not warrant the intense backlash it has received.

Prime Minister Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were swift to capitalize on the mistake. The PM criticized the DMK, accusing them of taking false credit and pasting "China's sticker" on the ISRO launchpad project. He asserted that the DMK, by featuring the Chinese flag, disrespected India's progress in the space sector and insulted the country's scientists.

The BJP's state unit head, K Annamalai, intensified the criticism, denouncing the DMK's "total disregard for our country's sovereignty" and characterizing the rocket issue as a "manifestation of DMK's commitment to China." Annamalai questioned the DMK's actions, particularly during the Prime Minister's visit to Tamil Nadu, highlighting the defense offered by Kanimozhi, who stated, "What is wrong in having a Chinese picture?"

Kanimozhi argued that India had not declared China an "enemy country" and pointed to the previous meeting between the Indian and Chinese Prime Ministers. She accused the BJP of attempting to divert attention and claimed that the DMK's intention was to prevent the rocket-launching facility from being established in the state.

Annamalai vehemently disagreed, asserting that the DMK was going to great lengths to please their "Chinese masters." He criticized the DMK for glorifying China and its flag at a time when India was celebrating its achievements in space exploration. Annamalai concluded by demanding a minimum apology from the DMK.

In summary, the controversy surrounding the newspaper ad has become a focal point for political tension, with accusations of the DMK compromising India's sovereignty by featuring the Chinese flag. The BJP, led by Prime Minister Modi, is capitalizing on the issue, portraying it as a deliberate attempt by the DMK to align with China and undermine India's progress in the space sector.