By BJP MP Nishikant Dubey on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress and the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam over the Katchatheevu island issue, accusing past governments of compromising India’s maritime rights and harming the interests of fishermen. Speaking to reporters outside Parliament, Dubey said historical agreements with Sri Lanka had long-term consequences that continue to affect coastal communities, particularly in Tamil Nadu.
Dubey claimed that documents and agreements related to the transfer of Katchatheevu clearly show how earlier governments handled the matter and argued that the issue should be openly discussed in the public domain. He referred to the 1974 and 1976 agreements with Sri Lanka and alleged that the decisions taken at that time weakened India’s position in the maritime region, resulting in frequent arrests and detention of Indian fishermen in Sri Lankan waters over the years.
According to the BJP leader, the developments surrounding Katchatheevu have created long-term challenges for fishing communities, who often face uncertainty and legal trouble while operating near international maritime boundaries. He also criticised what he described as political silence on the issue over the decades and said parties involved in the agreements must explain their stand to the public, especially in states where fishermen are directly affected.
Dubey further alleged that governments from Jawaharlal Nehru to Manmohan Singh failed to protect fishermen’s interests, claiming the issue continued to resurface due to policy decisions taken in the past. He also referred to former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi while discussing the political context of the agreements and their impact on regional politics.
Alongside his criticism of opposition parties, Dubey praised Narendra Modi for his long tenure in public life, calling it a significant moment in India’s democratic journey. He said Modi’s rise from humble beginnings to leading the country reflects strong public trust and consistent support from voters. According to Dubey, the Prime Minister’s leadership and development vision, including the goal of building a developed India by 2047, has strengthened India’s global standing and inspired confidence among citizens.
The BJP MP’s remarks come at a time when the Katchatheevu issue has once again entered political debate, with parties using historical agreements and fishermen’s concerns to shape their narratives. As discussions continue, the issue is likely to remain a sensitive political and diplomatic topic, particularly in coastal states where fishing livelihoods depend heavily on stable maritime policies and cross-border coordination.
