Development around Katchatheevu Island
Recently, the island of Katchatheevu, located just 25 km from Rameswaram in India’s Tamil Nadu state, has become a significant focal point in the ongoing election campaign in India.
RTI Application Reveals Crucial Information
Chief of India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in Tamil Nadu, K Annamalai, obtained crucial information through a Right To Information application regarding the administration of the 163-acre Katchatheevu island by Sri Lanka.
History of Katchatheevu Island
It was discovered that in 1974, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s government decided to hand over control of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka. This decision was documented in official records, showing the relinquishment of Indian control over the island in the Palk Strait.
Political Reactions
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reacted strongly to this revelation, expressing his dismay over the historical decision. He criticized the Congress party for their role in giving away Katchatheevu.
In a press conference in New Delhi, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted the significance of Katchatheevu, emphasizing its proximity to the Indian coast and the impact of the agreement made during the reign of Indira Gandhi.
Trivedi also pointed out the lack of attention to this issue by political parties in Tamil Nadu, such as the DMK and Congress.