Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin accused the BJP-led Union government of playing politics over the Katchatheevu island issue while neglecting the plight of Tamil Nadu fishermen. Speaking at a government event in Mayiladuthurai, Stalin emphasized his administration’s efforts to protect fishermen’s traditional rights and resolve ongoing disputes with Sri Lanka.

Stalin reiterated that he has consistently urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to retrieve Katchatheevu island, ceded to Sri Lanka decades ago, to address the recurring arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by Sri Lankan authorities. He highlighted a state Assembly resolution passed on April 2, 2025, demanding the island’s return and the release of detained fishermen and their seized boats.

“The BJP has no genuine concern for Tamil Nadu fishermen. They only politicize who ceded Katchatheevu,” Stalin charged, pointing out that both BJP and AIADMK blame the DMK and Congress for the 1974 agreement. He questioned the BJP’s inaction despite a decade in power, asking, “What steps have they taken to retrieve Katchatheevu or stop the arrests of our fishermen?”

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Stalin also criticized External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar’s silence following Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath’s claim that Tamil Nadu fishermen trespass into Katchatheevu waters. Herath had firmly stated that Sri Lanka would not relinquish the island.

“The Prime Minister must intervene directly to resolve this issue once and for all,” Stalin asserted, assuring fishermen that the Tamil Nadu government and DMK would continue their fight for justice. The state remains committed to securing the release of jailed fishermen and their boats while advocating for a permanent solution.

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