'Designer's mistake,' says DMK leader Anitha Radhakrishnan on 'China flag' in rocket advertisement
Thoothukudi, Feb 29: A day after his advertisement related to ISRO's new launch complex in Tamil Nadu caused a row for featuring a 'Chinese flag', DMK leader and Fisheries Minister Anitha R Radhakrishnan on Thursday said it was a gaffe by the designer.
The minister stressed that it was only a mistake and they (DMK) had no other intentions.
"A small mistake happened in the advertisement. We have no other intention. We have only love for India in our hearts," Radhakrishnan said, adding that it is his party's stand that India should stay united without giving any room for clashes on the grounds of caste or religion.
Radhakrishnan said it was late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi who first voiced the demand for a new launch complex of ISRO at Kulasekarapattinam near here in Tamil Nadu. Also, Chief Minister MK Stalin and Thoothukudi Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi had all along urged the Centre to set up the launch complex in the state, he told reporters.
This is why it was decided to give an advertisement (in dailies) to highlight the efforts made by the DMK leaders to bring the project to Tamil Nadu, the minister said.
Those who designed the advertisement made a gaffe which went unnoticed by them, the Minister said.
BJP leader and Union Minister L Murugan, however, demanded that the DMK apologise to the people for publishing that advertisement.
On the DMK's stand that the 'China' reference was a mistake, Murugan said, "It is our duty to put the Indian flag (in advertisement) and they (DMK) must apologise to the people. Only India's achievements have to be showcased. The country's achievements in space technology and the new ISRO complex in Tamil Nadu are the nation's pride."
On February 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for a new launch complex of ISRO at Kulasekarapattinam, which is worth about Rs 986 crore. The complex, which can accommodate 24 launches per year, includes 35 facilities and features mobile launch structures (MLS) with checkout computers marking a significant stride in enhancing space exploration capabilities.
On the concluding day (Feb 28) of his two-day visit to Tamil Nadu, Modi strongly criticised the DMK for being "oblivious" to the nation's achievements in the space sector.
Addressing a BJP rally, PM Modi alleged that the DMK regime does not work, but only takes "false credit" and affixes its 'stickers' on Central schemes.
"Now they have crossed the limit. They have pasted the sticker of China to take credit for ISRO launchpad in Tamil Nadu. This is an insult to our space scientists, space sector, your tax money and you (the country)," he said, addressing the people.
In a post on X, the PM had said: "DMK's advertisement today is hilarious. They have insulted Indian science and the Indian space sector, for which they must apologise."
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Talks on non-veg food demand at Kannada Sahitya Sammelana on dec 16: Min. Chaluvarayaswamy
Mandya: District In-Charge Minister and reception committee chairman N. Chaluvarayaswamy announced plans to meet with progressive organizations that have requested the inclusion of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian food at the upcoming 87th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana. The discussions will take place on Monday, December 16.
Speaking after inspecting the conference stage preparations on Saturday, Chaluvarayaswamy stated that leaders of these organizations have requested a meeting to address their demands. He assured that arrangements for the large gathering—expected to attract one to one-and-a-half lakh participants—will prioritize convenience for attendees.
He added that construction of the stage is progressing swiftly and will be completed by Tuesday or Wednesday. Chaluvarayaswamy plans to oversee the construction work personally to ensure its timely completion.
The conference will give prominence to discussions on diverse topics, including agriculture and literature. The Minister expressed satisfaction with the collective efforts of the District Collector, Sahitya Parishad members, MLAs, former MLAs, organizations, and the general public in making the event a success.
The event was also attended by MLA Ravikumar Ganiga, Legislative Council Member Dinesh Gooli gowda, Mysugar President C.D. Gangadhar, District Collector Dr. Kumar, and other officials and leaders.
