The political landscape in Tamil Nadu witnessed a unique twist as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) decided to extend birthday wishes to Chief Minister MK Stalin in a rather unconventional manner - in Mandarin.
This move by the BJP comes amidst a heated row over an advertisement related to the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) new launch complex, which prominently featured a 'Chinese flag'.
In a tweet, the Tamil Nadu BJP expressed its birthday wishes to Chief Minister MK Stalin, stating, "On behalf of Tamil Nadu BJP, here's wishing our Honourable CM Thiru MK Stalin a happy birthday in his favourite language! May he live a long and healthy life!" This gesture was a subtle yet pointed dig at the Chief Minister amidst the ongoing controversy surrounding the ISRO ad.
The advertisement in question, placed by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister Anitha R Radhakrishnan, featured a rocket with a Chinese flag, sparking outrage and accusations from various quarters.
While the DMK leader clarified that it was a mistake by the designer and there were no ulterior motives, the BJP seized the opportunity to criticize the ruling party.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during a rally in Tirunelveli, condemned the advertisement, labeling it as an insult to India's space scientists and the nation as a whole. He demanded an apology from the DMK for disregarding India's achievements in space technology.
In response, the DMK accused the Prime Minister of selective outrage, citing his purported inaction towards Chinese incursions along the Line of Control in eastern Ladakh. DMK MP P Wilson highlighted the Prime Minister's keen observation of a Chinese flag in a newspaper ad while alleging a lack of attention towards reports of Chinese flags being raised on Indian territory.
This exchange underscores the tense political atmosphere in Tamil Nadu, where even birthday wishes become a battleground for political jabs. As the controversy over the ISRO ad continues to simmer, it remains to be seen how the political parties navigate through the ensuing public scrutiny and maintain their respective stances on the issue.
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