PM Modi accuses Congress of handing Over Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has accused the Congress party of irresponsibly handing over the Katchatheevu island to Sri Lanka in 1974. His criticism follows recent revelations brought to light by a Right To Information (RTI) application filed by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai. The documents exposed the Congress-led government's decision under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi's administration.

PM Modi expressed shock and anger on social media platform X, stating that the Congress party's actions have severely compromised India's integrity and national interests. He emphasized that the revelation has angered every Indian and reinforced the sentiment that Congress cannot be trusted. Modi criticized Congress for weakening India’s unity, integrity, and interests over 75 years.

The controversy revolves around India's decision to hand over control of Katchatheevu, a strategically significant island in the Palk Strait, through the Indo-Sri Lankan Agreement signed by Indira Gandhi and her Sri Lankan counterpart, Sirimavo Bandaranaike. Sri Lanka's persistent claims based on historical grounds eventually influenced India's position, despite initial disagreements. Even though legal professionals like former Attorney General M C Setalvad argued for India's stronger claim, the formal transfer of the island occurred in 1974.

Notably, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru had expressed indifference towards Katchatheevu in a memo dated May 10, 1961, indicating a willingness to give up India's claims to the island. Despite India's initial dismissal of Sri Lanka's claims, it eventually acquiesced, leading to the controversial handing over of the island in 1974.