Amid ISRO Advertisement Controversy, BJP Wished Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin In 'Chinese' On His Birthday

In a sarcastic move, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has extended birthday wishes to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin in Mandarin, further fueling the ongoing controversy surrounding an advertisement related to the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) new launch complex featuring a 'Chinese flag'.

The BJP's tweet, issued on behalf of the Tamil Nadu BJP, wished the Chief Minister a happy birthday in his "favorite language," marking a subtle jab amidst the backdrop of the advertisement row.

The controversy in question erupted after a newspaper advertisement, commissioned by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister Anitha R Radhakrishnan, showcased a rocket adorned with a Chinese flag in anticipation of ISRO's upcoming spaceport launch at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district.

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While Minister Radhakrishnan attributed the inclusion of the Chinese flag to a design error, the BJP seized the opportunity to criticize the DMK-led government, accusing it of undermining India's achievements in space technology.

Prime Minister Modi, addressing a rally in Tirunelveli, condemned the act as an insult to India's space scientists and taxpayers, demanding an apology from the DMK.

He said, “DMK is a party that does not work but stands ahead to take false credit. These people paste their stickers on our schemes. Now they have crossed the limits, they have pasted China’s sticker to take credit for the ISRO launch pad in Tamil Nadu.” 

In response, the DMK retaliated, accusing the Prime Minister of neglecting Chinese incursions along the Line of Control in eastern Ladakh.

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