BJP Criticizes Congress Over 1974 Kachchativu Sovereignty Decision
The BJP has launched a strong critique against the Congress party regarding its 1974 decision to transfer Kachchativu to Sri Lanka, labeling it a significant compromise of national interests. This decision continues to impact Tamil Nadu's fishermen, who face ongoing challenges due to the transfer. BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi highlighted this issue as part of a broader historical pattern of Congress's alleged capitulations, urging the current generation to remember these events. The article delves into the implications of this decision and its historical context, raising questions about the Congress party's legacy.
| Jun 26, 2026, 15:42 IST
BJP's Strong Condemnation of Congress
The BJP has sharply criticized the Congress party for recognizing India's sovereignty over Kachchativu, a deserted island in the Palk Strait, back in 1974. The party labeled this decision as yet another "dark chapter" in Congress's history, claiming it compromised India's national interests. The issue continues to affect fishermen from Tamil Nadu, and the BJP used the anniversary of this decision to target Congress. National spokesperson and Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi remarked that handing over Kachchativu to Sri Lanka marked another day in Congress's calendar of surrender.
Historical Context and Ongoing Impact
Trivedi noted that while recalling the tragic chapter of the Emergency yesterday, today marks another significant dark chapter in Congress's history. He informed reporters that on this day in 1974, the then Congress government transferred Kachchativu, located near Tamil Nadu, to Sri Lanka. This decision has led to ongoing hardships for Tamil Nadu's fishermen. Referring to the St. Anthony Shrine on the island, Trivedi claimed that despite fishermen flying the Indian national flag on their boats, they are still denied access to the area. He further accused Congress of having a long-standing history of compromising India's interests.
Congress's Historical Surrender
Trivedi elaborated that the trend of Congress's surrender began in 1947 with the partition of India and their capitulation to the Muslim League. This was followed by the transfer of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) to Pakistan in 1948, and the ceding of Aksai Chin to China in 1962. He mentioned that Assam and Mansarovar were nearly surrendered as well. Highlighting Kachchativu, he stated that it was officially handed over on June 26, 1974, and came under Sri Lankan control by June 28. He emphasized that this is a tragic chapter that the current generation should remember, reminding us of how Congress has compromised India's national interests.