Annamalai Questions DMK’s Actions on Katchatheevu Issue

Annamalai Questions DMK’s Actions on Katchatheevu Issue

Tamil Nadu BJP State President Annamalai has raised a strong question regarding the DMK’s role in retrieving Katchatheevu while being part of the Union Cabinet.

In his statement, he criticized the ruling DMK government, stating:

• Law and order in Tamil Nadu has deteriorated significantly.
• Crimes against children and women have increased.
• Violence against Scheduled Caste communities is on the rise.
• Chief Minister Stalin is engaging in political drama daily instead of addressing these issues.

DMK’s Role in the Katchatheevu Issue

Annamalai accused the DMK of deceiving the people of Tamil Nadu on the Katchatheevu issue for the past 50 years, using it only as a political tool during elections.

1. 1974 – Katchatheevu Agreement:
   • Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Karunanidhi, along with then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, ceded Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka.
   • This decision severely impacted Tamil Nadu’s fishermen, and DMK has since tried to conceal its involvement.
2. DMK’s Role in the Union Cabinet:
   • Despite being part of the Union government multiple times, DMK never took any steps to retrieve Katchatheevu.
   • They only accepted ministerial positions but remained silent on the fishermen’s rights issue.
3. Attacks on Tamil Nadu Fishermen & DMK’s Inaction:
   • Thousands of Indian fishermen have been arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy.
   • Many have faced harassment, and over 80 fishermen were shot dead in Tamil Nadu-Sri Lanka waters.
   • Despite these incidents, DMK remained silent and did not take any concrete action.
4. The Reality of Fishermen’s Protection:
   • In 2014, the Sri Lankan government sentenced Tamil Nadu fishermen to death.
   • The Modi-led government intervened and ensured their safe return.
   • Since Modi became Prime Minister, fishermen arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy are being rescued immediately.
   • Their safety and legal protection have been ensured.

Election Gimmick?

Annamalai stated:

• DMK brings up the Katchatheevu issue only during elections.
• However, they have done nothing to resolve it for the past five decades.
• The people of Tamil Nadu will no longer fall for DMK’s “political drama.”

Criticism of the DMK-Congress Alliance

• DMK and Congress handed over Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka and are now staging political theatrics.
• They failed to protect Tamil Nadu’s fishermen but conveniently raise the issue during elections.
• The people will not trust Stalin and the DMK-Congress alliance anymore, Annamalai asserted.

DMK’s Response?

It remains to be seen how DMK and Chief Minister Stalin will respond to these allegations.