Prime Minister Narendra Modi has slammed the DMK government in Tamil Nadu over a controversial newspaper advertisement that used an image of a Chinese rocket to depict a state welfare program. PM Modi called it an “insult” to the dedicated scientists of ISRO based in Tamil Nadu.
The DMK government published the advertisement in question to promote its ‘Kalaignar Nagarpura Membattu Thittam’ housing scheme. However, the visual was a Chinese Long March rocket launch photo.
At a rally in Erode, PM Modi said,
“I want to ask the DMK leaders, don’t you feel ashamed to use a foreign rocket in an advertisement for a Tamil Nadu government scheme? This insults ISRO scientists and the hard work of Tamil Nadu students who toil for the country’s space program.”
The PM pointed out that Tamil Nadu is home to ISRO’s largest center in Sriharikota, which has been integral to prestigious projects like the Chandrayaan missions and Mangalyaan Mars orbiter. He said using a Chinese rocket instead of locally developed technology was unacceptable.
Since the advertisement went viral and sparked backlash, the DMK regime has clarified it was a mistaken usage due to ignorance. The ad agency responsible has apologized for what they called an ‘inadvertent error.’
However, PM Modi alleged it points to a deeper insensitivity of the DMK towards indigenous science capabilities. He said,
“When we try to promote an Atmanirbhar Bharat, such casual use of foreign technology is appalling. This shows their lack of respect for Tamil Nadu’s role in India’s space progress.”
The opposition AIADMK has also latched onto the controversy to corner the DMK and new CM Stalin. Former CM Palaniswami said it was a deliberate insult to ISRO scientists from Tamil Nadu who had played key roles in India’s Moon and Mars missions.
Stalin clarified that the rocket image’s accidental usage meant no offense. In a statement, he reaffirmed his government’s full support and encouragement for ISRO’s milestones that have made India a space power.
However, the DMK’s local leadership may need to be more cautious to avoid such imagery blunders in the future. As PM Modi pointed out, it belittles the professionalism and capabilities of the talented scientific workforce within the state itself. For a party that swept to power on the plank of Tamil pride, it marks an embarrassing own goal.
