Synopsis
BJP spokesperson Gourav Vallabh criticizes Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for replacing the Devanagari rupee symbol with a Tamil character in Budget documents, claiming it undermines the Indian Constitution and national identity.Key Takeaways
- BJP spokesperson Gourav Vallabh condemns TN government's rupee symbol change.
- Accusation of undermining the Indian Constitution.
- Stalin's actions perceived as political maneuvering.
- DMK's opposition to Hindi imposition in education.
- BJP's commitment to protecting Tamil culture and language.
New Delhi, March 13 (NationPress) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) spokesperson Gourav Vallabh on Thursday launched a sharp critique against Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, accusing his administration of undermining the Indian Constitution by substituting the Devanagari-script rupee symbol with the Tamil character for rupee in the state's Budget documents.
Speaking to IANS, Vallabh stated: "This action is tantamount to neglecting the Indian Constitution. It also shows a disregard for the people of Tamil Nadu, especially since it was a Tamil individual who created the official rupee symbol. Chief Minister Stalin appears to be oblivious to this reality and is merely engaging in political maneuvering at the expense of India's sovereignty."
The Tamil Nadu government's choice to modify the conventional rupee symbol arises amidst rising tensions between the state leadership and the BJP-led Central government over the matter of "Hindi imposition".
The DMK has been outspoken against the National Education Policy (NEP), which advocates a three-language formula that the party contends would compel the adoption of Hindi in non-Hindi-speaking regions.
"While criticizing the National Education Policy, he inadvertently expresses contempt for the Indian rupee. The citizens of Tamil Nadu are keenly observing his behavior as he attempts to belittle a symbol of national identity," Vallabh asserted during his conversation with IANS.
He further emphasized that the BJP values Tamil culture and language. "Let it be clear that we will spare no effort in safeguarding and advancing Tamil culture and language. PM Modi himself greatly respects Tamil heritage," Vallabh noted.
Issuing a firm warning, Vallabh stated, "The youth and people of Tamil Nadu will respond appropriately to Chief Minister Stalin in the near future. By challenging India’s sovereignty and the Constitution, he is overstepping his bounds. This is utterly unacceptable."
Chief Minister Stalin has been a fierce opponent of the NEP, particularly the three-language formula. He argues that it is an attempt by the Centre to impose Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states, a claim that the Union government has consistently denied.
