In a major embarrassment for the Tamil Nadu government, an advertisement promoting a new Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) spaceport in the state ended up featuring a rocket adorned with the flag of China. This oversight sparked widespread criticism and controversy, putting the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in a tight spot.
DMK Downplays Error, BJP Criticizes
The presence of the Chinese flag on the rocket in the advertisement drew swift criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The BJP accused the ruling DMK party of disrespecting India’s sovereignty and attempting to take credit for the central government’s project.
Responding to the criticism, DMK MP Kanimozhi downplayed the error, stating that she was unaware of the source of the image and that India does not consider China an “enemy country.” She further pointed to the recent visit of the Chinese Prime Minister to India as evidence of positive relations between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi Takes Aim at DMK
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took aim at the DMK, accusing the party of attempting to claim credit for the central government’s project by putting its “stamp” on it. He further criticized the advertisement for not featuring an image of India’s space program, despite being funded by taxpayers money.
