A recent statement by DMK Agriculture Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam regarding North Indian migrant workers in Tamil Nadu has ignited a political controversy, drawing sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The remarks, made at a party event in Chengalpattu, have been interpreted as derogatory and have sparked accusations of the DMK fueling social divisions within the state.
Panneerselvam's comments referenced North Indians working in Tamil Nadu, stating that they "are coming here to clean tables, engage in construction works, sell pani puri" because they "learnt only Hindi and had no job opportunity there". These remarks have been widely circulated and condemned for their perceived insensitivity towards migrant workers.
The BJP has reacted strongly to Panneerselvam's statement, accusing the DMK of a pattern of disparaging migrant workers, particularly those from North India and Hindi speakers. In a statement released on X, the BJP asserted that such comments are "reckless and dangerous," especially "at a time when violence against innocent migrant workers in Tamil Nadu is rising". The party further claimed that these statements brand "an entire community as 'low standard' and fuelling hate on the streets". The BJP also questioned the silence of the opposition INDI alliance regarding the controversy, asking if "alliance compulsion [is] more important than national unity?".
The controversy comes at a sensitive time, with concerns already raised about the treatment of migrant workers in Tamil Nadu. The BJP's response highlights the potential for such statements to exacerbate existing tensions and contribute to a climate of hostility. The party's criticism also underscores the broader political implications of the issue, with accusations of the DMK deliberately stoking social divisions for political gain.
This incident is not an isolated one, as the BJP has alleged that DMK leaders have repeatedly made similar remarks about migrant workers in the past. This latest controversy is likely to further strain relations between the DMK and the BJP, and fuel political debate in Tamil Nadu. The incident also raises questions about the responsibility of political leaders to ensure their rhetoric does not contribute to discrimination or violence against vulnerable groups.