Designer’s Mistake: DMK Leader Anitha Radhakrishnan Addresses ‘China Flag’ Controversy in Rocket Advertisement

DMK leader and Fisheries Minister Anitha R Radhakrishnan has stepped forward to address the recent controversy surrounding an advertisement related to ISRO’s new launch complex in Tamil Nadu, which stirred debate due to its inclusion of what appeared to be a ‘Chinese flag’. Radhakrishnan attributed the controversy to a design oversight.

The minister emphasized that it was merely a mistake and reiterated that the DMK had no ulterior motives behind the advertisement.

“A small mistake happened in the advertisement. We have no other intention. We have only love for India in our hearts,” Radhakrishnan asserted, underscoring his party’s commitment to maintaining national unity and avoiding conflicts based on caste or religion.

Radhakrishnan highlighted the historical context behind the demand for a new ISRO launch complex at Kulasekarapattinam in Tamil Nadu, attributing the initiative to late DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi and the persistent efforts of Chief Minister MK Stalin and Thoothukudi Lok Sabha MP Kanimozhi.

He explained that the decision to publish the advertisement in newspapers was aimed at showcasing the DMK’s contributions towards bringing the ISRO project to Tamil Nadu. However, Radhakrishnan admitted that the designers of the advertisement had overlooked the mistake.

Meanwhile, BJP leader and Union Minister L Murugan called for an apology from the DMK to the public for the inclusion of the ‘China’ reference in the advertisement. Murugan emphasized the importance of highlighting only India’s achievements, especially in the space sector.

The controversy arose following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tamil Nadu on February 28, during which he laid the foundation stone for the new ISRO launch complex at Kulasekarapattinam. PM Modi criticized the DMK for allegedly taking credit for the project and accused them of disrespecting India’s achievements in space technology.

Addressing a BJP rally, PM Modi condemned the DMK for affixing what he referred to as a ‘sticker of China’ on the ISRO launchpad advertisement. He demanded an apology from the DMK for what he deemed an insult to the nation’s space scientists and the Indian space sector.

The controversy has sparked discussions regarding the sensitivity surrounding national symbols and achievements, particularly in the context of political messaging and advertisements. As the debate continues, both the DMK and its critics are navigating the fallout from the inadvertent inclusion of the controversial imagery.