Udhayanidhi Stalin Flags Gap In Budget Allocation For Tamil And 'Dead' Sanskrit; Gets 'Morality' Lesson From BJP

Tamil Nadu News: A political row erupted after Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin slammed the centre for providing a low budget for Tamil, further claiming that a huge amount of money was being spent on the "dead language" Sanskrit. While speaking at a book launch event in Chennai, the DMK leader pointed out that Tamil was not getting even the 10 per cent of Sanskrit. Stalin further stated that several ancient languages have been ignored under the BJP-led NDA government. While reacting to his remarks, the BJP leaders stated that the deputy chief minister should not insult Sanskrit to demand funds for the Tamil language.

Stalin's remarks came amid criticism from the DMK leaders on alleged disparities in the funding from the centre in several sectors, including infrastructure and beneficiary schemes. “Only Rs 150 crore was allotted for Tamil Development,” Stalin said while addressing the event. “In contrast, Sanskrit, a dead language, is getting Rs 2,400 crore,” he added. While the BJP leaders did not respond on the lack of fund charges, they slammed Stalin for insulting Sanskrit.

ALSO READ: Tamil Nadu Bus Accident: Six Dead, 28 Injured In Head-On Bus Collision In Tenkasi

The former state party president Tamilisai Soundararajan, while reacting to Stalin's remarks, stated that no language should be called dead, adding that the language is being used in prayers and other cultural activities. “No one has the right to call any language dead, especially the one that is still used today in prayers and rituals across the country,” Soundararajan was quoted as saying by PTI.

ALSO READ: LIVE Cricket IND vs SA 2nd Test, Day 3 Score: Sundar, Kuldeep Look To Add Crucial Runs As India Face Follow-On Threat 

Apart from this, BJP leader Annamalai asserted that the DMK government failed to develop the Tamil language, adding that the issue should not be politicised. However, this was not the first time Stalin triggered a row by speaking his mind on Sanatan and Sanskrit. Earlier in 2023, the DMK leader compared the Sanatan to diseases and claimed that the religion should be "eradicated".