'Unparliamentary': Congress As DMK MP Apologises For His 'Gaumutra States' Remark

DMK MP in Lok Sabha stirred a storm by referring to Hindi heartland states as "gaumutra states" and claiming that the BJP can only win elections in these states, not in south India.

Amidst row over DMK MP DNV Senthilkumar's "gaumutra states" remark, Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram on Tuesday stated that DMK leader should withdraw his comments, and apologise. Taking to X, Chidambaram stated: "Very unfortunate choice of words. Unparliamentary. Dr Senthil must forthwith apologize & withdraw his comments." On Tuesday, DMK MP in Lok Sabha stirred a storm by referring to Hindi heartland states as "gaumutra states" and claiming that the BJP can only win elections in these states, not in south India.

DNV Senthilkumar remarked during a discussion in the Lower House on two legislation connected to Jammu and Kashmir that people in this nation should believe that the BJP's authority is limited to winning elections "in the heartland states of Hindi and what we generally called gaumutra states." The remarks came in the wake of some referring to the recent assembly election results as a 'North-South divide' after the BJP thrashed the Congress in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, while the Congress triumphed in Telangana.

On 'Gaumutra' remark by DMK MP DNV Senthilkumar S, Congress MP Rajiv Shukla said: "The politics of DMK is different. Congress does not agree with their politics. Congress believes in 'Sanatana Dharma' and 'Gaumata' as well. We believe in moving forward with people from all religions."

Meanwhile, DMK MP DNV Senthilkumar issued an apology over his remarks, and stated: "Commenting on the results of the five recent state assembly elections, I have used a word in a inappropriate way. Not using that term with any intent, I apologize for sending the wrong meaning across."

Supporting Senthilkumar's remark, MDMK (Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) MP Vaiko said: "I agree with his statement, he is correct."

Addressing Lok Sabha, Senthilkumar said: "You (BJP) cannot come to South India. You see all the results of what happens in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka ... we are very strong over there." 

He further said: "We will not be surprised if you have an option of converting all these states into Union territories so that you can come into indirect power because you can never dream of setting foot over there and taking control of all the southern states."