Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin commemorated Border Martyrs Day on Friday, honouring those who fought for the inclusion of Tamil-speaking regions into the state. On the other hand, BJP state president K. Annamalai and actor-politician Vijay, proposed November 1 as Tamil Nadu Day.
In his post on X (formerly Twitter), Stalin expressed respect for the "martyrs who protected Tamil Nadu's borders in the north and south," highlighting the sacrifices made to unify Tamil-dominated areas within Tamil Nadu.
BJP state president K Annamalai and actor-politician Vijay, founder of the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), asserted that November 1, marking the 1956 linguistic reorganization of states, should be celebrated as Tamil Nadu Day. They noted that Tamil Nadu's current geographical boundaries were defined on this day, following the reorganisation that granted it status as a separate Tamil-speaking state.
Last year, the DMK-led government designated July 18 as Tamil Nadu Day, commemorating the date in 1967 when former Chief Minister CN Annadurai successfully moved a resolution to rename the Madras State as Tamil Nadu.
Annamalai, Vijay Recognise Nov 1 As TN Day
Annamalai extended greetings on November 1, recognising it as "Tamil Nadu Day," when Tamil Nadu was officially established as a Tamil-speaking state. However, he criticized the ruling DMK, alleging that the state has "lost its glory" due to poor governance.
Actor Vijay also advocated celebrating November 1 as Tamil Nadu Day, recalling the sacrifices made for a separate Tamil state. He highlighted that former Chief Minister Annadurai moved the renaming resolution, honoring the sacrifice of martyr Sankaralinganar, who fasted for this cause.
Both Annamalai and Vijay emphasised that November 1 symbolises a significant moment in Tamil Nadu’s history, with Vijay urging that the day be celebrated in honour of those who contributed to the state’s formation.