1. The Tamil Nadu government encountered embarrassment when an advertisement showcasing a new ISRO spaceport displayed a rocket bearing the flag of China.
2. State Fisheries Minister Anita Radhakrishnan reportedly issued the advertisement to mark the foundation stone laying event for the ISRO spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam.
3. The ad’s unintended inclusion of the Chinese flag sparked criticism and raised concerns about the message it conveyed regarding India’s space initiatives.
Chennai, Feb 28: The Tamil Nadu government faced embarrassment after an advertisement promoting a new Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) spaceport in the state featured a rocket adorned with the flag of China.
The ad, reportedly issued by State Fisheries Minister Anita Radhakrishnan, aimed to commemorate the foundation stone laying ceremony for the ISRO spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam.
It intended to highlight the efforts of former Chief Minister Karunanidhi and current Chief Minister MK Stalin in bringing the project to fruition.
However, it inadvertently showcased a computer-generated rocket bearing the Chinese national flag.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swiftly criticized the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for the blunder, alleging that it demonstrated the party’s affinity towards China.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi accused the DMK of falsely taking credit for projects initiated by the BJP-led central government.
Addressing a public rally in Tirunelveli, PM Modi condemned the DMK’s actions, stating that the party was quick to claim credit for schemes initiated by the central government.
He expressed dismay over the advertisement’s depiction of a rocket with the Chinese flag, emphasizing the importance of recognizing India’s progress in space.
BJP State President K Annamalai strongly denounced the ad, describing it as a manifestation of the DMK’s allegiance to China.
He criticized the DMK for neglecting India’s sovereignty and accused the party of attempting to conceal its past misdeeds.
Annamalai highlighted a historical incident from six decades ago, citing Tamil Nadu’s previous bid to host ISRO’s first launch pad.
He alleged that the DMK’s mishandling of the matter, particularly the delegate’s unprofessional behavior during discussions, demonstrated a lack of seriousness towards India’s space program.
The ISRO spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam, scheduled to be the second in Tamil Nadu, is poised to play a crucial role in India’s space endeavors.
It will focus on launching Small Satellite Launch Vehicles (SSLVs), thereby enhancing the country’s capabilities in space technology and exploration.
