In a scathing attack on the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) government in Tamil Nadu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the ruling party over a controversial newspaper advertisement that purportedly featured a ‘Chinese rocket.’ The Prime Minister accused the DMK of misappropriating people’s tax money and condemned the alleged insult to the scientists of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The controversy arose when a state government advertisement, published in a newspaper, showcased what the Prime Minister referred to as a ‘Chinese rocket.’ PM Modi seized the opportunity during a public address in Tirunelveli to express his disapproval of the advertisement, asserting that it undermined the achievements of Indian scientists, particularly those associated with ISRO’s successful space missions, including the upcoming Chandrayaan-3.
Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi alleged that the DMK government, through its actions, was not only squandering the hard-earned money of the people but also demeaning the contributions of scientists who have played a pivotal role in advancing India’s space exploration endeavours.
“DMK is a party that does not work but stands ahead to take false credit. These people paste their stickers on our schemes. Now they have crossed the limits, they have pasted China’s sticker to take credit for the ISRO launch pad in Tamil Nadu,” PM Modi said while addressing a gathering in Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu.
The Prime Minister alleged that the DMK is ‘not ready’ to accept India’s progress in the space sector. “They are not ready to accept India’s progress in the space sector and with the taxes that you pay, they give advertisements and do not even include a picture of India’s space in it. They did not want to present India’s space success in front of the world, they insulted our scientists, our space sector, and your tax money. Now it’s high time that the DMK is punished for their deeds,” PM Modi said.
DMK has history of insulting our scientists
As the political climate in Tamil Nadu simmers with accusations and counterclaims, an episode from the late 1960s has resurfaced, shedding light on the historical relationship between the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) and Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, the revered founder of the Indian space programme. The revelation gains prominence amidst the recent criticism by Prime Minister Narendra Modi over a controversial state government advertisement that allegedly showcased a ‘Chinese rocket.’
In the late 1960s, as India embarked on its journey into space exploration, Dr. Vikram Sarabhai sought land to establish a spaceport in Tamil Nadu. However, historical accounts suggest that the then DMK minister, Mathiyazhagan, reportedly behaved inappropriately towards Dr. Sarabhai during this crucial period.
Irony is, in the late 1960s an @arivalayam minister misbehaved with Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, founder of Indian space programme, when he came requesting for spaceport land in #TamilNadu #AndhraPradesh welcomed Sarabhai with 44,000acres at Sriharikota.. Rest is history.. https://t.co/bXTBdSmW3Z
— Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) February 28, 2024
The alleged incident took place when Dr. Sarabhai approached the DMK government for support in acquiring land for the spaceport. Instead of extending a warm welcome, it is said that Mathiyazhagan’s behavior towards the visionary scientist was inappropriate, creating a contentious atmosphere. Consequently, Andhra Pradesh stepped in, offering a vast expanse of 44,000 acres at Sriharikota, where India’s renowned spaceport, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, stands today.
The historical episode has gained renewed attention as political discourse intensifies in Tamil Nadu. Critics argue that the alleged mistreatment of Dr. Sarabhai during a critical juncture in India’s space exploration history reflects a pattern of behaviour that undermines the contributions of scientists and the broader scientific community.
The resurfacing of this historical incident has added a layer of complexity to the ongoing controversy surrounding the DMK government’s advertisement, which PM Modi has condemned for allegedly featuring a ‘Chinese rocket.’ The criticism has now evolved beyond the immediate context, incorporating a historical perspective that questions the party’s stance towards scientific progress and the national space program.
Tamil Nadu BJP State President K Annamalai hits back at DMK
Coming down heavily on the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government, Tamil Nadu BJP State President K Annamalai stated on X, that a recent advertisement by DMK Minister Thiru Anita Radhakrishnan in leading Tamil dailies has displayed DMK’s commitment to China and showed a disregard for India’s sovereignty.”
This advertisement by DMK Minister Thiru Anita Radhakrishnan to leading Tamil dailies today is a manifestation of DMK’s commitment to China & their total disregard for our country’s sovereignty.
DMK, a party flighing high on corruption, has been desperate to paste stickers ever… pic.twitter.com/g6CeTzd9TZ
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) February 28, 2024
Netizens too denounce the action of the DMK-Government
Social media users, in their reactions, have ridiculed the idea conveyed through the imagery in the advertisement. Many are questioning the intentions behind the campaign, with some suggesting that it might be a strategy to divert attention from alleged past misdeeds.
Heights of stupidity by @arivalayam to have given a print ad in @TamilTheHindu where the rocket is having Chinese 🇨🇳 flag !!! 😂
Are they so hungover ? #DMKFails #Drug_Mafia_Dmk #DMKGovt pic.twitter.com/CYLA8NOnmJ
— Raghu Rajaram (@RaghuTweetbook) February 28, 2024
Tamil Nadu govt DIPR is filled with a bundle of fools and semi literates. They are congratulating the PM for coming up with the rocket launch site at Kulasekara Pattinam in all news papers with the backdrop of a Chinese rocket with Chinese flag. 😂 pic.twitter.com/qmTda6273R
— kishore k swamy 🇮🇳 (@sansbarrier) February 28, 2024
As the online discourse intensifies, the DMK government finds itself at the center of public scrutiny. The controversy is adding a layer of complexity to the political narrative in Tamil Nadu, with citizens actively participating in the discussion about the government’s actions and priorities. The online backlash may impact the public perception of the DMK, especially as the state approaches crucial elections
