Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, accusing them of spreading misinformation regarding the cession of Katchatheevu islet to Sri Lanka by India in 1974. Addressing the media in Chennai, Sitharaman criticised the DMK for making “irresponsible” statements on the issue and accused them of engaging in false propaganda.
Sitharaman pointed out that late DMK President and former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi was aware of the decision to cede Katchatheevu during the tenure of the then-ruling Congress party, but did not raise any objections. She asserted that the Congress party, which failed to come to power in Tamil Nadu after 1967, owed an explanation to the nation for the loss of the territory, which former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had famously described as a “tiny mass of rock.”
Referring to former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s characterization of Katchatheevu as a “nuisance,” Sitharaman emphasised the need for accountability regarding the historic decision. She called upon the DMK to rectify the misinformation they have been spreading for over five decades, stating, “Let them set right the lies they have been saying for half a century.”
Sitharaman further refuted DMK’s claims that Karunanidhi had no knowledge or role in the cession of Katchatheevu, citing documentary evidence to the contrary. She revealed that Karunanidhi was informed about the decision well in advance by the external affairs secretary in 1974. Despite this, she highlighted that the DMK, including its current leader, Chief Minister MK Stalin, had continued to propagate falsehood regarding the issue.
இன்று வரை கச்சத்தீவு பற்றி உண்மைக்கு புறம்பாக பிரச்சாரம் செய்துவரும் ஆளும் கட்சி @arivalayam இதற்கு பதிலளிக்க வேண்டும். கச்சத்தீவை @INCIndia உடன்சேர்ந்து தாரைவார்த்துவிட்டு, பிறரை கேள்வி கேட்கும் போக்கு மிகவும் தவறு.#தமிழர்விரோதிதிமுக
— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) March 31, 2024
Nirmala Sitharaman recalled former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s remarks in the Tamil Nadu State Assembly, accusing DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi of relinquishing rights on Katchatheevu, citing a social media post shared on X. Sitharaman highlighted Jayalalithaa’s authoritative statement in the legislature, emphasising the importance of addressing the issue transparently.
Thanks @labstamil for putting this out. What the RTI reply has revealed has been stated authoritatively by former CM Jayalalitha Amma avl in the TN state assembly itself.
முன்னாள் முதலமைச்சர் ஜெயலலிதா அவர்கள் சட்ட பேரவையிலேயே கச்சத்தீவைபற்றி எடுத்துசொன்ன உண்மை. @arivalayam #DMK… https://t.co/VL1CYpthXi— Nirmala Sitharaman (@nsitharaman) March 31, 2024
Sitharaman addressed the accusations during a response to a question, stating that the Union Government had intervened to prevent a fisherman from being executed in Sri Lanka and had successfully repatriated him. She emphasised that the government had consistently taken steps to secure the release of Tamil Nadu fishermen detained in Sri Lanka, citing various instances of successful interventions.
Responding to allegations that the BJP had opportunistically raised the issue during election time, Sitharaman refuted such claims, asserting that the issue pertained to national security and sovereignty and could be discussed at any time. She emphasised that the BJP was committed to safeguarding Indian lands and protecting the lives of Indian fishermen.
Sitharaman further highlighted that two writ petitions related to the Katchatheevu issue were pending in the Supreme Court, rendering it inappropriate to discuss the matter at present. Accusing the DMK of failing to advocate for Tamil rights, she pointed out the party’s silence during the UPA regime’s ban on Jallikattu, contrasting it with the BJP’s proactive stance on the issue.
Responding to repeated accusations from DMK leader MK Stalin that the Centre failed to provide financial assistance during the December 2023 floods, Sitharaman countered with inquiries into the state government’s handling of the funds.
Sitharaman referenced a special grant of Rs. 5,000 crore provided to Tamil Nadu for flood mitigation efforts, along with an additional Rs. 500 crore allocated as disaster funds well in advance of the floods. She questioned the Tamil Nadu government’s transparency regarding the utilisation of these funds, highlighting discrepancies in reported completion rates of flood mitigation works.
The Finance Minister pointed out contradictions in statements made by Tamil Nadu ministers regarding the progress of flood mitigation projects, emphasising the need for accountability and transparency in government spending. She asserted that proper utilisation of the allocated funds could have prevented the damages caused by Cyclone Michaung in Chennai.
Sitharaman called upon the DMK-led state government to furnish details of expenditure and provide transparency regarding the utilisation of the allocated funds.
