DMK MP D N V Senthilkumar’s ‘gaumutra states’ remark in Parliament has added fuel to the ‘North vs South’ debate that has been raging since the BJP’s poll wins in the heartland states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh and the Congress’s victory in Telangana.
DMK Lok Sabha member DNV Senthil Kumar on Tuesday described the Hindi heartland as “gaumutra states” in Lok Sabha during the ongoing Parliament Winter Session, drawing instant condemnation from the BJP as well as its ally Congress, whose leaders asked him to tender an apology.
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While participating in a discussion on J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill in the House, he said the BJP can win elections only in the Hindi heartland states and not in south India. While his description of the Hindi heartland as “gaumutra” states was expunged by the Lok Sabha Speaker later, the remarks sparked a controversy with several members across party lines condemning the DMK leader and the video of his speech going viral on social media.
Facing flak, he later apologised.
“Commenting on the results of the five recent state assembly elections, I have used a word in a inappropriate way. Not using that term with any intent, I apologize for sending the wrong meaning across,” he said in a post on X.
In a statement, DMK organisational secretary R S Bharati said, “Commenting on the results of the five state assembly elections, Dharmapuri Member of Parliament Senthilkumar used a term that could be misinterpreted. Upon learning this, the Honourable Chief Minister M K Stalin, the President of the Party, strongly reprimanded Senthilkumar’s choice of words.”
He added, “On behalf of the Party’s high command, I urge everyone to maintain civility and cultural respect when speaking in public. Everyone should adhere to the principles of Duty, Dignity, and Discipline as emphasised by Perarignar Anna. Additionally, in discussions on national issues, I urge you to avoid personal remarks.”
BJP, Congress condemn remark
BJP leaders termed Senthil Kumar’s remarks as “hate speech” and said the voters will “wipe out” the India bloc from southern India as well in the next elections.
“This is another example of hate speech. This reflects the frustration of INDIA constituents. Gomutra and Gomata are revered not only in northern states but also in the South. If they keep insulting Indian culture and traditions then leave aside north India, the INDIA bloc will also be wiped out from southern India,” BJP Rajya Sabha member G V L Narasimha Rao told PTI.
Congress, DMK’s ally, also condemned Senthilkumar’s remark and asked him to tender an apology. “Very unfortunate choice of words. Unparliamentary. Senthil Kumar must forthwith apologize and withdraw his comments,” Congress Lok Sabha member Karti Chidambaram said on X.
Senthilkumar’s comments come in the backdrop of some referring to the recent assembly election results as reflective of the ‘North-South divide’ after the BJP trounced the Congress in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and the Congress won in Telangana.
(With inputs from PTI)