DMK Under Fire for Using Chinese Flag in ISRO Spaceport Ad, Draws BJP’s Ire

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu government has come under fire after an advertisement celebrating the foundation stone laying ceremony for the new ISRO spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam featured a rocket emblazoned with the Chinese flag.

The advertisement, reportedly issued by Fisheries Minister Anita Radhakrishnan, was intended to commemorate the project and highlight the contributions of former Chief Minister Karunanidhi and his son, current Chief Minister MK Stalin. However, the inclusion of the incorrect flag sparked controversy and criticism.

PM Modi seized the opportunity to attack the ruling DMK party, accusing them of attempting to take credit for the central government’s project. He stated that the DMK “doesn’t do any work” and resorts to “putting their stickers on our schemes.” He further criticized the advertisement for failing to showcase India’s space program while utilizing taxpayer funds.

BJP State President K Annamalai echoed similar sentiments, condemning the ad as a “disregard for our country’s sovereignty” and a manifestation of the DMK’s “commitment to China.” He accused the party of corruption and a desperate attempt to “paste stickers” on the project to claim credit.

Annamalai delved into historical context, alleging that the DMK’s handling of a similar situation in the past was equally concerning. He claimed that when Tamil Nadu was initially considered for hosting ISRO’s first launchpad 60 years ago, the DMK’s representative displayed a lack of seriousness by attending the meeting in an intoxicated state.

Despite the controversy, the ISRO spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam remains a significant development for India’s space program. This second spaceport in Tamil Nadu will focus on launching Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs), marking a crucial step in enhancing India’s spacefaring capabilities.