The issue of the three-language formula of the National Education Policy 2020 continues to simmer in Tamil Nadu. Speaking at a protest in Chennai against the three-language policy, Tamizhaga Vazhurimai Katchi leader Velmurugan made some disparaging and derogatory comments about Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, targeting her caste.
The parties allying with the DMK in Tamil Nadu decided to hold a protest against the “imposition of Hindi” on behalf of the I.N.D.I. alliance. The demonstration took place on 19 February 2025, with key political leaders in attendance, including Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu Vazhuvrimai Katchi leader Velmurugan, MDMK General Secretary Vaiko, Tamil Nadu Congress leader Selvapperundhagai, Dravidar Kazhagam leader Veeramani, and other prominent figures.
Velmurugan said, “Right from sister Kanimozhi, Raja, TR Baalu, all the Parliament members are tearing apart the unjust acts of the Sangh Parivar gang led by the Modi government. After Karunanidhi, the 40 MPs under the leadership of our Thalapathy (Stalin) are so talented that they are making the whole nation turn and look. None of the Sanghi gang (Sanghi gumbal) is able to answer any of the questions posed by our people. Nirmala Sitharaman is seething and crying (referring to her in singluar). That “mami” (a derogatory term for a Brahmin woman) only gets angry. If you, who eat curd rice, can get so angry, then how much angrier should we, who eat bone marrow (nalli elumbu), be? This is your betrayal of this land and its people. Whether it is Cyclone Ockhi Vardah cyclone or Thane cyclone or if there is a natural disaster, there is no money. There is no money if Chennai sinks. When we asked them to send a helicopter to rescue the Kurangani fire accident victims, they said our aircrafts cannot “see” after 6 o’clock. Then why the hell do we have a military helicopter? If I talk too much, Chief Minister Stalin will call me in the Assembly and ask me why Velu did you talk like this. I am getting angry.”
This is not the first time FM Nirmala Sitharaman has been attacked for her Brahmin background. Right from DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran to DMK MP A Raja to Justice Chandru who recommended “solutions” to prevent caste violence in TN, every single Dravidianist has referred to her by derogatory casteist names.
(With inputs from OneIndia Tamil)
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