DMK MP DNV Senthilkumar has issued an apology for his controversial remark on Hindi heartland states in the Lok Sabha. He stated that he used a word in a misleading way and did not intend to cause offense. The MP’s remark, which was removed from the record, was seized upon by the BJP to criticize not only the DMK but also the INDIA alliance.
This is not the first time that a statement made by a DMK leader has been used by the BJP to attack their political opponents. In September, DMK leader Udhayanidhi Stalin’s statement on Sanatana Dharma was used by the BJP to target the Congress ahead of the Assembly polls. After the BJP’s victories in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, BJP leaders pointed to the remark as evidence of the INDIA alliance’s alleged “hatred” for Hinduism. The Congress, however, only managed to secure a win in Telangana.
During his speech in the Lok Sabha, Mr. Senthilkumar made the controversial remark about the BJP’s inability to gain a foothold in South India. He also suggested that the BJP might consider converting the southern states into Union territories in order to indirectly exert control over them. The MP’s statement was reported by news agency PTI.
After facing backlash for his comments, Mr. Senthilkumar took to social media to apologize for his choice of words. He stated that he did not use the term with any intent and apologized for any misunderstanding caused. The apology was posted on X.
In response to the controversy, a BJP leader criticized the DMK for their misgovernance and level of discourse in Parliament. The leader also pointed out that the NDA Alliance is currently in power in Puducherry and was in power in Karnataka until recently. Another BJP leader questioned whether Congress leader Rahul Gandhi endorsed such remarks and criticized the Congress and its allies for insulting the people of the heartland states. These statements were also posted on X.
The response to the controversy is still awaited.
