Archive · 6 Sep 2026
Congress MP Accuses BJP of Politicising India’s Scientists
Manickam Tagore, a Congress leader, criticized the BJP-led Union government.
He said India celebrates successful rocket and space missions.
But he argued that the scientists behind those missions are not receiving enough attention or support.
According to Tagore, some workers are asking for better pay, secure jobs and improved working conditions.
He said scientists often work long hours and face pressure when missions fail.
Tagore also said ISRO was built through decades of public scientific work.
He accused the government of favoring private companies and creating uncertainty for employees.
He wants ISRO’s public role and scientific purpose to be protected.
Tamil Nadu Congress chief Manickam Tagore accused the BJP-led Union government of using scientists for political publicity.
Tagore said scientists face concerns over secure employment, adequate salaries, job security and working conditions.
He argued that public celebrations of space missions often overlook the sacrifices and pressures endured by scientists.
Tagore credited the Congress movement, national leaders and Vikram Sarabhai with helping establish ISRO in 1969.
He alleged that corporate interests and employment uncertainty could weaken ISRO’s public character and scientific mission.
- Who
- Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President and Lok Sabha MP Manickam Tagore made the allegations against the BJP-led Union government.
- What
- Tagore accused the government of using scientists for political publicity while failing to address their employment, pay and working-condition concerns.
- When
- Sunday, according to the report.
- Where
- The statement was made in a post on X; Tagore is identified as a Tamil Nadu and Virudhunagar representative.
- Why
- Tagore said scientists’ sacrifices and employment concerns were being overlooked while the government celebrated India’s space achievements.
- Speaker
- Manickam Tagore, president of the Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and a Lok Sabha MP
- Target of criticism
- The Bharatiya Janata Party-led Union government
- Institution discussed
- The Indian Space Research Organisation
- ISRO’s founding year
- 1969
- Scientists’ concerns cited
- Secure employment, adequate salaries, job security, livelihoods and working conditions
- Political allegation
- Tagore accused the BJP of reducing scientists to tools in publicity-driven politics
- Institutional concern
- Tagore warned that corporate interests and employment uncertainty could weaken ISRO’s public character