A fresh linguistic controversy has erupted in tamil Nadu after the state government replaced the Devanagari-script rupee symbol (₹) with the tamil letter for rupee (௹) in the official logo of its upcoming budget. The move, seen as a symbolic assertion of tamil identity, comes at a time when tensions between the state and the Centre over language policies are already running high.
The decision has sparked a heated debate, with critics accusing the ruling DMK government of politicizing language issues, while supporters hail it as a rightful assertion of tamil linguistic heritage. tamil Nadu has long opposed the imposition of Hindi, with chief minister M.K. stalin frequently reiterating the state’s firm stance against the Centre’s three-language policy.
Opposition leaders and certain sections of the public have questioned the necessity of replacing the widely recognized ₹ symbol, which was officially adopted by the reserve bank of india in 2010. Some bjp leaders in the state have labeled the move “divisive” and an attempt to fuel anti-Hindi sentiments for political gains.
On the other hand, tamil nationalist groups and language activists have lauded the change, arguing that tamil Nadu has every right to promote its linguistic identity. They cite historical instances where the tamil language and culture have been sidelined in national policies, viewing this decision as a step towards reclaiming their heritage.
As the tamil Nadu budget presentation approaches, this controversy is likely to dominate political discourse. Whether this move is a mere assertion of regional identity or a calculated political statement remains a matter of intense debate.
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