Congress Slams Modi for Katchatheevu Election Tactics

The Congress criticized Prime Minister Modi for raising the Katchatheevu issue during the Lok Sabha campaign, arguing that it threatened India-Sri Lanka relations. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh called the actions irresponsible and asked if Modi and colleagues would apologize for creating a 'huge scare' with the neighboring country.

In a sharp rebuke, Congress has accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of jeopardizing India's diplomatic relationship with Sri Lanka by raising the Katchatheevu issue during the Lok Sabha election campaign. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh labeled the move as 'highly irresponsible' and a 'severe distortion of history.'

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had argued the Congress's former prime ministers neglected fishermen's rights over the Katchatheevu island. Modi cited media reports suggesting the Congress had 'callously' handed the island over to Sri Lanka.

Ramesh demanded Modi and his colleagues apologize, saying their actions created a 'huge scare' with the neighboring nation, countering the BJP's 'Neighbourhood First' policy. Opposition leaders also questioned if Modi’s stance was driven by election politics.