In a recent escalation of the perennial North versus South debate, DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran has stirred controversy with remarks allegedly targeting Hindi speakers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Maran suggested that individuals from these states, upon migrating to Tamil Nadu, predominantly engage in menial jobs such as construction work and cleaning toilets.
This assertion prompted swift reactions from BJP leaders, who raised questions about the stance of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on the matter. BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawala, recalling previous contentious remarks by DMK MPs and Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accused the DMK of attempting to reignite the north-south debate.
Once again an attempt to play the Divide & Rule card
— Shehzad Jai Hind (@Shehzad_Ind) December 23, 2023
First Rahul Gandhi insulted North Indian voters
Then Revanth Reddy abused Bihar DNA
Then DMK MP Senthil Kumar said “Gaumutra states”
Now Dayanidhi Maran insults Hindi speakers and North
Abusing Hindus / Sanatan, then… https://t.co/tYWnIAsnvK pic.twitter.com/8Krb1KmPEP
DMK, a key component of the INDIA bloc, an opposition alliance that includes JD(U), RJD, and Samajwadi Party, representing major political forces in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, now finds itself under scrutiny. Bihar BJP MP Giriraj Singh took to Twitter, demanding clarification from Nitish Kumar and Lalu Yadav on whether they align with their coalition partner's opinions on Hindi-speaking individuals. Singh questioned the apparent animosity of the DMK and the INDIA bloc toward Hindi speakers.
Shehzad Poonawala, echoing the sentiment of divisive politics, remarked on the pattern of insulting various sections of the population. He highlighted instances where prominent political figures, including Rahul Gandhi and Revanth Reddy, allegedly made disparaging comments, creating an atmosphere of division.
Poonawala emphasized that derogatory comments and attempts to play the "Divide & Rule" card have become a recurring theme within the political landscape. He called on leaders like Nitish Kumar, Tejaswi Yadav, Lalu Yadav, Congress, and Samajwadi Party's Akhilesh Yadav to address the issue and take a clear stance against such divisive rhetoric.
The controversy, marked by the hashtag #DMK and #DayanidhiMaran on social media, underscores the ongoing challenges in maintaining a harmonious political discourse and highlights the need for leaders to address issues responsibly. As political figures engage in verbal sparring, the repercussions of such comments on unity and national integrity remain a concern for citizens across the country.
