Amid China's flag row, BJP wishes Happy Birthday to Tamil Nadu CM Stalin in Chinese

Taking a dig at ruling DMK and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) extending birthday wishes to Stalin in Chinese languarge. This comes amidst a brewing controversy surrounding an advertisement linked to the new ISRO complex, prominently featuring a Chinese flag besides Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Stalin.

Tamil Nadu BJP Tweets Birthday wish to Stalin in Mandarin

The Tamil Nadu BJP tweeted, "On behalf of Tamil Nadu BJP, here's wishing our Honourable CM Thiru MK Stalin a happy birthday in his favourite language! May he live a long and healthy life!"

The discord stemmed from a newspaper advertisement, commissioned by Tamil Nadu's Animal Husbandry Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan, which displayed a rocket with a conspicuous Chinese flag. The ad commemorated the establishment of a second launch pad for ISRO in Kulasekarapattinam, Thoothukudi district, intended to underscore the DMK's role in bringing this significant project to the state.

PM Modi rebukes DMK for putting China flag on Indian rocket

During a public address in Tirunelveli, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had criticized the DMK, accusing the party of neglecting India's achievements in the space sector. "DMK is a party known for claiming credit falsely without significant contributions. It's evident that DMK seeks recognition for our initiatives. This instance surpasses all previous boundaries," stated Modi.

DMK Minster accepts that it was a 'small mistake'

Amid the ensuing uproar, Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi, representing the DMK, acknowledged the error in the advertisement, attributing it to the artwork designer. She defended her party, asserting that the issue did not warrant the intense backlash it received. The controversial poster depicted Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister MK Stalin side by side, with a rocket in the background.

Fisheries Minister Anitha R Radhakrishnan, accountable for the contentious advertisement, clarified that the inclusion of the Chinese flag resulted from a mistake by the designer. She reiterated that the DMK harbored no ulterior motives.

"A small mistake happened in the advertisement. We have no other intention. We have only love for India in our hearts," stated Mr. Radhakrishnan, underscoring the DMK's commitment to a united India devoid of conflicts based on caste or religion.