BJP’s Mandarin wishes for MK Stalin amid ‘China flag on Indian rocket’ ad controversy

New Delhi:

The Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday took a dig at Chief Minister MK Stalin by wishing him a happy birthday in Mandarin. The gesture comes amid a growing controversy over an advertisement related to the new ISRO complex, which prominently featured a Chinese flag.

Tamil Nadu BJP’s tweet read, “On behalf of Tamil Nadu BJP, wishing our honorable CM Thiru MK Stalin a happy birthday in his favorite language! May he live a long and healthy life!”

on behalf of @BJP4TamilNaduHere’s wishing our honorable Chief Minister Thiru @mkstallin Happy birthday wishes to Avargal in his favorite language! May he live a long and healthy life! pic.twitter.com/2ZmPwzekF8

– BJP Tamil Nadu (@BJP4TamilNadu) 1 March 2024

A controversy erupted after a newspaper advertisement made by Tamil Nadu Animal Husbandry Minister Anita Radhakrishnan showed a rocket with a Chinese flag. The advertisement celebrated the establishment of the second launch pad for ISRO at Kulasekarapattinam in Thoothukudi district and was aimed at highlighting the DMK’s role in bringing this important project to the state.

Amid the uproar, Thoothukudi MP Kanimozhi, representing the DMK, admitted the error in the advertisement and held the artwork designer responsible for it. He defended his party, saying the issue did not require such a strong reaction. The controversial poster showed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister MK Stalin together, and had a rocket in the background.

Anita R Radhakrishnan, the Fisheries Minister responsible for the controversial ad, also said that the inclusion of the Chinese flag was the result of a designer mistake and added that the DMK had no ulterior motive.

“A small mistake happened in the advertisement. We have no other intention. We only have love for India in our hearts,” Mr Radhakrishnan said, stressing DMK’s commitment to a united India without giving room for conflicts based on caste or religion. Said with emphasis.