Katchatheevu Issue Sparks Heated Debate in Tamil Nadu Assembly

A heated debate erupted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly in Chennai on Wednesday over the ceding of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka, triggering a war of words between the ruling Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) and the DMK.

The exchange began during a discussion on the demands for grants, when DMK MLA Kadhar Batcha alias Muthuramalingam cited figures from the TVK policy document. He stated that 1,291 Tamil fishermen had been arrested by Sri Lanka over the past five years, while 1,253 had been released. Batcha emphasised that the DMK government's role in securing their return should not be overlooked.

Following his remarks, Water Resources Minister N. Anand intervened with a laugh, retorting that "they were the ones who gave away Katchatheevu." The statement triggered an immediate uproar in the House, drawing sharp objections from DMK legislators.

Defending the DMK, E.V. Velu pointed out that the Assembly had repeatedly passed resolutions calling for the retrieval of Katchatheevu. He noted that the island was ceded during the tenure of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and asserted that the DMK had consistently urged the Centre to reclaim the territory.

Law Minister C.T.R. Nirmal Kumar conceded the Centre's role but questioned why the then state government took no action to halt the transfer. Nirmal Kumar alleged that the external affairs secretary had met former chief minister M. Karunanidhi privately at least twice for detailed consultations prior to the decision. He argued that the island was ceded with Karunanidhi's consent, accusing the DMK administration of silently accepting the move without informing the public or debating the matter in the Assembly.

Velu strongly countered the allegations, accusing the Law Minister of placing "completely false facts" on record. He reiterated that Katchatheevu was transferred without the state government's consent and maintained that the DMK's stance remains firm on retrieving the island. DMK member Govi Chezhiaan remarked that the core focus of the debate had shifted.