A recent statement by a DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) minister regarding a perceived "North-South divide" in India has ignited a political firestorm, with the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) demanding an apology and accusing the DMK of promoting regional division. The controversy centers on remarks made by DMK Minister MRK Panneerselvam and DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran, which the BJP views as demeaning to North Indians.

Specifically, Minister MRK Panneerselvam allegedly stated that North Indians in Tamil Nadu primarily engage in "meagre jobs" such as selling panipuri and wiping tables, implying that they are less educated than the local population. BJP leader Nainar Nagendran shared a video snippet of these comments, sparking sharp criticism from the opposition. Dayanidhi Maran, a DMK MP, has also come under fire for stating that women in North India are told to stay home, work in the kitchen, and bear children, while Tamil Nadu prioritizes the education and empowerment of women. Maran made these statements at an event distributing free laptops to college students, where he praised Tamil Nadu's education system and the government's support for women's progress.

The BJP has reacted strongly to these remarks. BJP Mahila Morcha national president Vanathi Srinivasan accused the DMK of "always trying to divide north and south," calling it their "core ideology". BJP leaders have termed the remarks as "abusive" and "hate-mongering," and are demanding an apology from the DMK. Anila Singh, another BJP leader, called Maran's remarks "unfortunate" and asserted that "this divisive politics is not going to work". They argue that such statements are detrimental to national unity and promote unnecessary regional antagonism.

The DMK, however, has defended the comments as an explanation of developmental differences between the North and South. Some DMK leaders have argued that their intention was to highlight the progress made in Tamil Nadu in terms of social justice, education, and women's empowerment, and to encourage women to utilize government schemes. TKS Elangovan of the DMK stated that "In the north, there is nobody to fight for the women. That's all".

This is not the first time DMK leaders have been accused of making controversial remarks about North Indians. In the past, other DMK leaders have made statements that have been criticized as being demeaning or discriminatory towards people from the North. For instance, comments have been made about North Indians having "no sense of democracy" or being "less brainy". These recurring incidents have fueled the perception that the DMK harbors a bias against North Indians, a charge the party vehemently denies.

The controversy comes at a sensitive time, with upcoming elections in Tamil Nadu. Critics suggest that the DMK is deliberately trying to stoke regional sentiments to consolidate its voter base. The BJP, on the other hand, is trying to project itself as a national party that transcends regional divides and is accusing the DMK of undermining national unity.

In a similar incident in December 2023, DMK MP D N V Senthil Kumar apologized in the Lok Sabha for a controversial "north-south divide" remark. Kumar had used a pejorative term to describe Hindi heartland states while criticizing the BJP. His remarks led to uproar in Parliament, and were expunged from the records.

The current controversy highlights the deep-seated regional tensions that continue to simmer beneath the surface of Indian politics. While the DMK portrays its remarks as a defense of Tamil identity and social justice, the BJP sees them as divisive and harmful to national unity. The exchange underscores the challenges of balancing regional aspirations with national integration in a diverse country like India.