Picture : ANI/ X
DMK Lok Sabha member DNV Senthil Kumar triggered a row by describing Hindi heartland as “gaumutra states”, drawing instant condemnation from the BJP as well as its ally Congress, whose leaders asked him to tender an apology.
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.
#WATCH | DMK MP DNV Senthilkumar S on his ‘Gaumutra’ remark, “I made some statement inside the House. At the time Home Minister & BJP members were there at that time. I have used this before in my Parliament speeches. It was not a controversial statement. If it touches somebody I… pic.twitter.com/bUUbQ0O7fY
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2023
“The people of this country should think that the power of this BJP is only winning elections mainly in the heartland states of Hindi, what we generally call the ‘Gaumutra’ states,” he told Lok Sabha.
“I made some statements inside the House. At the time Home Minister and BJP members were present in the House. I have used this before in my Parliament speeches…It is not a controversial statement. Although, if it hurts somebody, I will try to avoid using it next time. I will try to use some other words to mention where the BJP is strong in getting their votes,” the DMK MP told news agency ANI
Reacting to the comments, BJP MP Sushil Modi told ANI , “They had to suffer the consequences of this type of language in the elections of three states… It is not appropriate to make such remarks, such people will not be supported by the public in the Lok Sabha (elections)…”
Congress MP Rajiv Shukla told ANI “The politics of DMK is different. Congress does not agree with their politics. Congress believes in ‘Sanatana Dharma’ and ‘Gaumata’ as well. We believe in moving forward with people from all religions…”
