In a shocking development, a video clip of Tamil Nadu Public Works Minister EV Velu denouncing India and calling it “some place in North India” has triggered widespread criticism and condemnation. The video was shared on social media by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Tamil Nadu state president K Annamalai on August 7, exposing the minister’s divisive remarks.
In the video, DMK Minister EV Velu can be heard saying, “What is the state today? The word India never had any impact on us. When has India had an impact on us? I’m making an open statement. There wasn’t any such impact on us. I’m talking about some time ago. Where did we have an impact? There was no impact. India is someplace in North India. We belong to Tamil Nadu. If possible, we have to create a Dravida Nadu. Our thought process was going in that direction.”
The remarks made by the minister have ignited a firestorm of controversy, with many accusing him of openly supporting separatism and undermining the unity and integrity of the nation. The video shared by the BJP state president, Annamalai, further fueled the outrage.
In a scathing tweet, Annamalai lambasted the DMK and the minister for their divisive speech. He wrote, “DMK Minister Thiru EV Velu expressing what they stood for. This is the true face of parties in the I.N.D.I. Alliance. Once a separatist, always a separatist.”
DMK Minister Thiru EV Velu expressing what they stood for. This is the true face of parties in the I.N.D.I. Alliance.
Once a separatist, always a separatist. pic.twitter.com/BC0V52inkQ
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) August 7, 2023
The minister’s speech has evoked sharp criticism from the general public and political circles alike. Critics argue that such statements from a public official holding a ministerial position go against the principles enshrined in the constitution and the oath of office taken by him before assuming office.
India has a rich cultural and linguistic diversity, and the strength of the nation lies in its unity. The statement made by the DMK minister has been perceived as an attempt to sow seeds of discord and division among different regions and communities. As the video continues to circulate on social media platforms, demands for an explanation and action against the minister are growing louder. Citizens across the country are urging the Tamil Nadu government to take immediate steps to address the issue and ensure that such divisive rhetoric is not tolerated in the political discourse. It remains to be seen how the DMK leadership and the state government respond to the mounting pressure and whether any disciplinary action will be taken against the minister for his controversial remarks.
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