The decision to hand over Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka has stirred controversy, drawing criticism from Sri Lankan media outlets. Accusations have been levied against the Indian government, with claims that it is exploiting the issue for electoral gains in Tamil Nadu, ahead of the upcoming Lok Sabha Election on April 19, 2024.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent statement, took aim at the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, accusing them of mishandling the Katchatheevu island matter and neglecting the state’s interests. This fresh offensive by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) against the Congress and DMK has further fueled tensions surrounding the controversial island.
Despite the Indian government’s assertions, the Sri Lankan government has refrained from commenting on Prime Minister Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s statements regarding Katchatheevu. However, local media in Sri Lanka have not shied away from expressing their discontent.
A recent editorial in the Colombo-based English newspaper, Daily Mirror, lamented the Indian government’s actions, stating, “Even the seemingly unflappable Indian External Affairs Minister – Jaishankar – has dropped all pretense of statesmanship and has joined hands with his premier to rouse communal feelings in the hope of gaining a few votes in Tamil Nadu.” The editorial underscored the desire for Sri Lanka to maintain autonomy from India’s internal political dynamics.
The controversy surrounding Katchatheevu Island underscores the complex interplay between geopolitics and domestic electoral considerations, with both India and Sri Lanka grappling with the repercussions of the contentious issue.
