BJP winning elections in Gaumutra states: DMK MP’s comments spark row; BJP says ‘take mental treatment’
Commenting on BJP's landslide victory in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, DMK MP DNV Senthilkumar S referred to Hindi-speaking states as ‘Gaumutra states’. His comment has caused huge controversy
After the BJP's landslide victory in India's heartland states, several leaders have been calling out how the party's popularity is limited only to north India. Echoing the same thought, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) member of parliament DNV Senthilkumar S, said, “The power of this BJP is only winning elections mainly in the heartland states of Hindi, what we generally call the 'Gaumutra' states.”
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Targeting the BJP government, the Lok Sabha MP said that Union Territories always look toward becoming states. But under the BJP's rule, states have become a Union Territory, he added.
"You (BJP) cannot come to South India. See all the results that happened in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, we are very strong there," he said.
Senthilkumar made these comments during the ongoing session of Lok Sabha on Tuesday. His ‘Gaumutra’ remark for Hindi-speaking states didn't go well with other MPs and party leaders. Many of them criticised the DMK leader for his statement. Whereas, leaders of parties like Congress distanced themselves from Senthilkumar's point of view. Later, he apologised for his remark and said that he would refrain from using such words in the future.
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Several BJP leaders lashed out at the DMK MP for his words and even suggested he take mental treatment.
“Those hurling abuses at Hindi-speaking states need to take mental treatment. Under the leadership of PM Modi, in the coming elections, these people will be given a treatment,” Bihar BJP leader Nawal Kishore Yadav told ANI.
His comments received criticism from Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai who said that the level of discourse of the ruling party in Tamil Nadu has touched the floor.
"Chennai is sinking due to the misgovernance of DMK and so is their level of discourse on the floor of the Parliament. After calling our North Indian friends Pani Puri sellers, toilet constructors, etc., I.N.D.I. Alliance DMK MP, makes Gaumutra Jibes," K Annamalai posted on X.
Senthilkumar's comment came against the backdrop of the BJP's landslide victory in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh in the recently concluded state assembly elections.
How political leaders reacted to DMK MP's ‘Gaumutra’ comment?
Not just K Anamalai and Nawal Kishore Yadav, a range of politicians reacted on Senthilkumar's comment and criticised him for his mentality.
Union Minister Meenakshi Lekhi called Senthilkumar's comment as a “sheer disrespect of Sanatani tradition”.
Referring to the BJP's victory in the three states, Union Minister Ashwini Kumar Choubey said that those who always criticise Sanatan Dharm have received a tight slap on their face. They will get another one after few months, he added while giving a hint of BJP's victory in upcoming Lok Sabha elections.
"This is basically because BJP is not ruling anywhere in South India today but I do not think I should react to that. It is his opinion," Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao told ANI.
On Senthilkumar's comment, Acharya Pramod Krishnam warned the party and its leaders of losing states with “saand” if they continue to make such statements in future.
'I apologise for sending wrong meaning,' DMK leader Senthilkumar on Gaumutra controversy
After facing criticism for his remark on Hindi-speaking states, DMK leader Senthulkumar said that he would refrain from using such words.
"I made some statement inside the House. At the time Home Minister & BJP members were there at that time. I have used this before in my Parliament speeches. It was not a controversial statement. If it touches somebody I will try to avoid using it next time. I will use some other words to mention that where the BJP is strong in getting their votes," he told ANI.
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Business NewsPoliticsNewsBJP winning elections in Gaumutra states: DMK MP’s comments spark row; BJP says ‘take mental treatment’
First Published:5 Dec 2023, 08:32 PM IST
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