Controversy sparked as DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran made a statement suggesting that Hindi speakers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, when in Tamil Nadu, often engage in construction work or sanitation tasks. The remark, captured in a viral clip, drew attention after being shared by BJP National Spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla. Poonawalla criticized leaders from the INDIA bloc in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar for not condemning the statement made by the DMK MP.
In the video clip, Maran drew a distinction between individuals proficient in English and those solely acquainted with Hindi. He asserted that those with English skills often secure positions in IT companies, while those exclusively versed in Hindi tend to find employment in more manual or entry-level roles.
#DMK MP #DayanidhiMaran says that individuals from #Bihar and #UP, who only learn Hindi, migrate to TN, engage in construction work, and perform tasks like cleaning roads and 🚽 TOILETS🚽
This is depicted as a consequence of learning #Hindi. #30000கோடி_எங்கடா pic.twitter.com/9a2AzaIqeN
— Aryabhata | ஆர்யபட்டா 🕉️ (@Aryabhata99) December 23, 2023
Shehzad Poonawalla levied accusations against the INDIA bloc, alleging their efforts to sow division among the people based on caste, language, and religion. He criticized the alliance for what he perceived as a lack of response to the DMK MP’s statements, denouncing their “inaction.” Expressing his sentiments on X (formerly Twitter), Poonawalla remarked, “Once again, an attempt to play the Divide and Rule card.”
The BJP leader deemed the language employed by Dayanidhi Maran as “unfortunate” and suggested that the remark was not a mere coincidence, particularly when considering the apparent inaction of other leaders within the alliance.
Poonawalla criticized leaders associated with the INDIA bloc from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar in the wake of Dayanidhi Maran’s controversial statement. He questioned their silence, specifically calling out individuals such as Nitish Kumar, Tejashwi Yadav, Lalu Yadav, Congress, and SP Akhilesh Yadav. Poonawalla urged them not to ignore the situation, asking when they would take a definitive stand on the matter.
Shehzad Poonawalla pointed out the absence of action against DMK MP DNV Senthilkumar, who stirred controversy with remarks against Hindi heartland states during the Winter Session of Parliament. Senthilkumar’s comment, made in the context of the BJP’s performance in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, went unaddressed.
Poonawalla also criticized Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for their roles in past incidents. Recently, a controversy unfolded when Udhayanidhi Stalin, a minister in Tamil Nadu and a prominent DMK leader, stirred the waters by drawing a comparison between Sanatana dharma and diseases like “dengue” and “malaria.” He expressed the view that opposition to Sanatana dharma should go beyond mere disagreement and extend to its complete “eradication.”
