Synopsis
The removal of the rupee symbol from the Tamil Nadu Budget logo has triggered significant backlash from political leaders, including Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who views it as a threat to national unity and an act of regional chauvinism. The controversy reflects ongoing tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre over language policies.Key Takeaways
- Criticism from Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
- Removal seen as an act of regional chauvinism
- Controversy highlights ongoing disputes over language policies
- Budget logo now features Tamil letter 'Ru'
- First instance of a state rejecting national currency symbol
Chennai, March 13 (NationPress) The action taken by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to eliminate the rupee symbol (₹) from the logo of the state's 2025-26 Budget, which is set to be presented in the Assembly on Friday, has ignited significant backlash.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has recently voiced her disapproval of this decision.
In a post on social media platform X, she criticized the DMK government, labeling it as "a completely avoidable example of language and regional chauvinism".
She emphasized that this decision indicates a troubling mindset that threatens India's unity.
Union Minister Sitharaman questioned the DMK's stance against the rupee symbol, noting that it was officially established in 2010 under the Congress-led UPA government, during which the DMK was a coalition partner at the national level.
"This is more than just symbolism — it signals a dangerous mindset that undermines Indian unity and fosters secessionist sentiments masquerading as regional pride. A completely avoidable act of language and regional chauvinism," she wrote.
She reminded elected officials of their constitutional obligation to maintain the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, asserting that omitting a national symbol from state Budget documents contradicts that commitment.
Union Minister Sitharaman also pointed out the irony of this decision, revealing that the rupee symbol was created by D. Udaya Kumar, the son of former DMK MLA N. Dharmalingam.
"By removing it now, the DMK is not only rejecting a national symbol but also completely disregarding the creative contribution of a Tamil youth," she stated.
BJP IT Cell Chief Amit Malviya also condemned the decision, highlighting that Udaya Kumar, who designed the symbol in Devanagari script, is the son of a former DMK MLA.
"Chief Minister Stalin is insulting Tamilians by eliminating the Indian rupee (₹) sign from the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 document," he posted on X.
Meanwhile, AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami criticized the DMK government's action, characterizing it as a publicity stunt aimed at diverting attention from administrative shortcomings.
In a post on social media, he accused Chief Minister Stalin of engaging in "empty advertisement campaigns" that fail to address the genuine needs of the populace.
He also reprimanded CM Stalin for delivering "scripted dialogues written by others," dismissing the action as a political gimmick.
Tamil Nadu BJP President K. Annamalai joined the wave of criticism, questioning Stalin's choice to substitute the rupee symbol with the Tamil letter "Ru" from "Rubaai", the Tamil term for rupee.
"The DMK government's state Budget for 2025-26 replaces the rupee symbol, which was designed by a Tamilian and embraced by the entire nation. How foolish can you be, Thiru @mkstalin?" he wrote.
This controversy arises amidst an ongoing disagreement between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre over language policies, with the DMK-led administration consistently accusing the Union government of imposing Hindi.
The removal of the rupee symbol is perceived as part of this broader resistance, heightening Tamil Nadu's opposition to the National Education Policy.
The Tamil Nadu government defended its choice, asserting that the Budget logo, unveiled on Thursday, now features the Tamil letter "Ru" from "Rubaai" to reflect the state's linguistic identity.
The logo also includes the phrase "Everything for All", which the DMK claims signifies its inclusive governance model.
This unprecedented move marks the first instance of a state rejecting the national currency symbol, intensifying discussions on regional identity versus national unity.
