BJP MP Criticizes Congress and DMK for Surrendering Maritime Rights
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey has raised serious concerns regarding the Congress and DMK's decision to cede Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka, claiming it undermines India's maritime rights. He criticized past governments for neglecting fishermen's interests and warned of potential future repercussions for Indian fishermen. Dubey's remarks highlight the ongoing political tensions surrounding maritime agreements and their impact on local communities. As the political landscape shifts, he calls for accountability from the DMK and Congress in the upcoming elections, emphasizing the need for a robust response to protect India's maritime sovereignty.
Mar 23, 2026, 14:41 IST
BJP's Nishikant Dubey Raises Concerns Over Maritime Rights
BJP MP Nishikant Dubey expressed on Monday that the Congress and DMK have compromised India's maritime rights by ceding Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, he praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi's record tenure as Chief Minister and Prime Minister, calling it a historic achievement for Indian democracy. He mentioned that he has provided documents, including a copy of the agreement, which states that the entire maritime area was under India's jurisdiction. He noted that the agreement was signed on June 26, a date he emphasized.
Additionally, Dubey stated that this agreement was made in collaboration with the then Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Karunanidhi. He claimed to have details of both agreements related to Karunanidhi from meetings with the Indian government, offering to share them with anyone who requests. He criticized past governments from Jawaharlal Nehru to Manmohan Singh for harming fishermen's interests and escalating tensions with Sri Lanka.
Dubey elaborated on the aftermath of the 1976 and 1974 agreements, explaining that millions of fishermen frequently entered Indian waters only to be detained by Sri Lankan authorities. He recalled that when Atal Bihari Vajpayee attempted to address the issue in 2002-2003, a joint statement was issued, which was later reversed in 2008. He referenced both the 2008 joint statement and the agreement from March 23, 1976, questioning if anything could be more humiliating, as Indian fishermen have been left impoverished. He asserted that the DMK's alliance with Congress must answer to the public in the upcoming elections.
He warned that this situation could lead to future troubles for fishermen, potentially resulting in imprisonment, as the entire maritime area under India's control would fall under Sri Lankan jurisdiction. He cited opinions from the Attorney General in 1961-62, stating that the process initiated during Nehru's era was continued by Indira Gandhi and completed by Manmohan Singh and Sonia Gandhi in 2008.