SRI VIJAYA PURAM, October 20: Congress leader TSG Bhaskar has criticised Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Andaman president Anil Tiwari over his remarks concerning the controversy surrounding the alleged use of chemicals in fish, accusing him of giving the issue a political colour and raising concerns about its potential impact on the fishing community.
Speaking at a press conference at the Congress office in Sri Vijaya Puram on October 20, Bhaskar said allegations concerning the fishing community should be addressed on the basis of facts rather than being used for political purposes. He questioned the emphasis given to the issue and alleged that it was being linked to electoral considerations and the votes of the fishing community.
Bhaskar raises questions over political handling of the controversy
Bhaskar said that if an individual had made incorrect claims concerning fishermen, the matter should be addressed through appropriate legal channels. He questioned why the issue had become the subject of a broader political dispute and challenged BJP leaders to take appropriate legal action if they believed an offence had been committed.
He also objected to references to his name in the controversy, maintaining that the actions of an individual should not automatically be attributed to the Congress party. He said the party had its own internal processes for addressing matters involving its members.
Fishermen's livelihoods and market facilities highlighted
During the press conference, Bhaskar drew attention to the difficulties faced by fishermen and fish vendors, particularly the lack of basic infrastructure in fish markets.
He referred to problems involving lighting, water supply, sanitation and other facilities, arguing that these concerns deserved sustained attention from the administration and elected representatives.
Bhaskar also cited his own experience in the fishing business, stating that he had been associated with the trade for approximately 25 years. He referred to his experience with ice plants, fishing boats and the seafood trade while arguing that the challenges faced by the community required a practical understanding of its working conditions.
He questioned the support extended to fishermen through subsidies, fishing equipment and other assistance, and called for greater attention to their economic and social concerns.
Concerns over tourism and seafood businesses
Bhaskar further expressed concern that allegations surrounding fish quality could affect consumer confidence and businesses dependent on seafood.
He linked the issue to the wider relationship between tourism and the fishing sector, describing both as important components of the local economy. He argued that the implications of such controversies should be considered carefully because they could affect fishermen, fish traders, hotels and other businesses associated with seafood.
His remarks reflected concern about the potential economic consequences of the controversy. The press conference transcript, however, does not independently establish the extent of any resulting decline in fish sales or tourism activity.
Other community issues raised
Beyond the immediate fish controversy, Bhaskar referred to a range of concerns affecting the fishing community, including access to better opportunities for younger generations, employment, healthcare and social welfare.
He also raised the issue of the community's demand for Other Backward Classes (OBC) status, referring to representations made to the Lieutenant Governor. He questioned the extent of support available to fishermen's families and called for greater engagement with their day-to-day difficulties.
Bhaskar additionally criticised remarks attributed to political representatives concerning tribal communities and discussed broader concerns about electoral processes and voter-related issues. These formed part of his wider political criticism during the press conference.