In a recent session of the new Parliament, DMK MP S. Senthilkumar from Dharmapuri stirred up controversy with his disparaging comments about the northern states of India, referring to them as ‘Gaumutra’ states. The derogatory remarks have ignited a political firestorm, drawing sharp reactions from various quarters.
During his speech, Senthilkumar asserted, “People of this country should think that the power of this BJP is only winning elections and mainly in the heartland states of Hindi or what we generally call as the Gaumutra states. You cannot come to South India. You see all the results of what happens in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra, and Telangana.”
#WATCH | Winter Session of Parliament | DMK MP DNV Senthilkumar S says "…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…" pic.twitter.com/i37gx9aXyI
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2023
The comments, seen as divisive and inflammatory, have prompted questions about the appropriateness of such language in the parliamentary forum. When reporters sought a response from MDMK chief MP Vaiko, his agreement with Senthilkumar’s remarks added fuel to the controversy.
“I agree with him,” affirmed MP Vaiko when pressed about his stance on the comments. When asked specifically whether he endorsed the derogatory nature of Senthilkumar’s remarks, Vaiko reiterated, “Yes, yes, he is correct.”
#WATCH | On 'Gaumutra' remark by DMK MP DNV Senthilkumar S, MDMK (Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) MP Vaiko says "I agree with his statement, he is correct" pic.twitter.com/N4xGx9L5md
— ANI (@ANI) December 5, 2023
Notably, the Dharmapuri MP later retracted his statements after the backlash and apologised. In what seemed like a half-hearted apology, he said, “The statement made by me yesterday inadvertently, if it had hurt the sentiments of the members and sections of the people, I would like to withdraw it. I request the words to be expunged. I regret it.”
Apology from MP Senthilkumar: Withdraws Controversial 'Gaumutra' Remark, Requests Expunging from Records|#SenthilKumar | #Gaumutra | #DMK | #TamilNadu | #Parliamentwintersession | #ParliamentSession | #TrendingReels pic.twitter.com/aHxPsnSeGg
— Republic (@republic) December 6, 2023
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