Just months before the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, DMK Minister MRK Panneerselvam has ignited a fresh controversy by making derogatory remarks about migrant workers from North India. Speaking at a public event, the Agriculture Minister linked the lack of job opportunities for North Indians in prestigious sectors to their reliance on Hindi alone.

The Minister’s Remark: While defending the state’s two-language policy (Tamil and English), Panneerselvam said, “People from the North who have only learned Hindi have limited job opportunities. They come to Tamil Nadu only to clean tables, work as construction laborers, or sell pani puri.” He contrasted this with Tamil Nadu’s youth, claiming that because they learn English, they secure high-paying jobs in the USA and London.

Sharp Backlash from BJP: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) slammed the remarks as “reckless and dangerous.” Tamil Nadu BJP Chief Nainar Nagenthran demanded a public apology, stating that no job is inferior and mocking workers is deplorable. The BJP also questioned the silence of I.N.D.I.A. bloc leaders like Rahul Gandhi and Akhilesh Yadav on the issue.

DMK’s Damage Control: As the row intensified, DMK MP T.R. Baalu attempted to clear the air, stating that the minister had been “quoted incorrectly.” He reiterated the party’s opposition to “Hindi imposition” but maintained that they respect all workers. However, the comments have already added fresh fuel to the ongoing linguistic and regional debate in Indian politics.