New Delhi, Feb 5 (NationPress) Leaders from the ruling party criticized a DMK minister on Thursday for his inflammatory comments regarding North Indian migrant laborers in Tamil Nadu, arguing that historically, the Congress and its affiliates have regarded individuals from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar as 'second-class citizens.'

The uproar was sparked by remarks made by Tamil Nadu minister MRK Panneerselvam at an event in Chengalpattu, where he discussed how North Indian migrants are often employed in low-wage jobs within the state.

According to reports, the minister stated, “Individuals from the North come here to clean tables, work in construction, and sell pani puri. Due to a lack of job opportunities in their home region, they migrate here after only learning Hindi.”

He asserted that many Tamil Nadu youth are seeking opportunities abroad because the state implements a two-language policy and provides quality English education. Consequently, numerous individuals from Tamil Nadu are relocating to countries like the United States and United Kingdom for better-paying jobs.

The statements drew significant backlash from leaders across various political parties, who labeled such remarks as divisive and an affront to migrant workers who play a crucial role in fueling the nation’s economy.

Union Minister Chirag Paswan, speaking to reporters outside Parliament, remarked that some leaders resort to such comments merely to stay in the limelight.

“Certain politicians aim to grab headlines with their statements. They thrive on a divide-and-rule strategy, often splitting people based on language, caste, religion, or region,” he stated.

Paswan emphasized that the NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is committed to the principle of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.”

“Policies are crafted with the citizens’ needs at the forefront. Those who create divisions among east, west, south, and north do not prioritize the nation; they only engage in petty politics,” he added.

JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha also condemned the minister's comments and defended the contributions of North Indian migrant laborers.

“North Indians, especially those from Bihar and UP, have bolstered local economies wherever they have settled. If North Indians ceased working for a day, the economy would grind to a halt,” he asserted.

Jha further accused the Congress and its allies of consistently underestimating individuals from Bihar and UP.

“The Congress and its allies have perpetually viewed UP-Bihar residents as second-rate citizens. The Constitution guarantees that everyone can seek employment anywhere,” he stressed, urging Congress to clarify its position.

Bihar Minister Deepak Prakash also rebuked the remarks.

“Statements of this kind are unbecoming of any politician. We need to foster an atmosphere of unity, and such comments must be strongly condemned,” he stated.

Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad called the minister's comments an affront to the nation.

“This is an insult to our country. Our nation comprises individuals from the North, East, West, and beyond. People of diverse languages, attire, and backgrounds coexist here. Despite our differences, our country is known as Bharat, with unity in diversity at its core,” he remarked.

He highlighted that North India has made substantial contributions to the nation’s growth and leadership.

“North Indians have played vital roles in elevating our country. Many prime ministers have hailed from North India, including PM Modi,” he cautioned, warning that such statements could jeopardize national unity.

In the meantime, Congress MP Tariq Anwar expressed that he did not believe the minister aimed to offend anyone.

Tariq Anwar stated, “I don’t think that was his intention. They travel from far away to work here as laborers and are compelled to seek livelihoods. This is a common sentiment; migration is prevalent in Bihar. Following the elections, numerous promises were made to address migration and formulate a plan.”