The advertisement promoting the establishment of a new Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) spaceport in Tamil Nadu, released by a DMK minister, found itself embroiled in controversy as it depicted a rocket bearing the flag of China in the background. This incident drew sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), casting an unwelcome spotlight on the Tamil Nadu government.
In response to the backlash, DMK MP Kanimozhi attempted to defend the state government's stance, expressing ignorance about the source of the image and downplaying the presence of the Chinese flag by arguing that India had not officially designated China as an "enemy country." She cited instances such as the visit of the Chinese Prime Minister to Mahabalipuram, implying diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
The advertisement, reportedly overseen by State Fisheries Minister Anita Radhakrishnan, aimed to celebrate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's laying of the foundation stone for the ISRO spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam. It sought to underscore the contributions of former Chief Minister Karunanidhi and his successor, current Chief Minister MK Stalin, in realizing the project's fruition. However, the inadvertent inclusion of a computer-generated rocket adorned with the Chinese national flag stirred controversy, prompting the BJP to launch a scathing attack on the ruling DMK.
Prime Minister Modi seized the opportunity to criticize the DMK, accusing the party of appropriating credit for projects initiated by the BJP-led Centre. He lambasted the DMK for allegedly affixing China's "stickers" to the project, insinuating deceit and undermining national progress.
BJP State President K Annamalai condemned the advertisement, asserting that it demonstrated the DMK's disregard for India's sovereignty. He accused the DMK of being beholden to China's interests and highlighted historical incidents to underscore his point. Annamalai recalled a purported incident from 60 years ago when Tamil Nadu's initial bid to host ISRO's first launch pad was allegedly mishandled by the DMK-led administration, citing it as evidence of the party's historical inefficiency and lack of commitment to India's space program.
The establishment of the ISRO spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam, the second in Tamil Nadu, represents a significant milestone in India's space endeavors. It is poised to play a pivotal role in launching Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs), thereby bolstering India's capabilities in space technology and exploration.
