Following his derogatory 'Gaumutra' remark targeting Hindi heartland states in the Lok Sabha, DMK MP Senthil Kumar attempted a half-hearted apology on Tuesday (5th December). In a social media post from his handle, he claimed no ill intent behind his use of the term.
Kumar expressed regret, stating, "In commenting on the recent state assembly elections, I used an inappropriate word. I did not intend any offense and apologize for any misconceptions caused."
However, mere moments after this apology, Kumar appeared on Times Now, staunchly defending his statement. When pressed on the meaning of 'Gaumutra states,' he justified, "I referred to their proficiency in election maneuvering. They excel in the Hindi heartland, which I termed as Gaumutra states. But our ideological differences prevent their influence in southern states."
This isn't Kumar's first offense. He cited a lack of objection during a previous instance of using the term in parliament, using it as a defense for his recent remarks. He emphasized, "This statement was made earlier in the house without controversy. As nobody objected then, it shouldn't be an issue now."
DMK, part of the I.N.D.I. alliance, holds partners in the Hindi heartland. When asked about electoral repercussions, Kumar downplayed it, stating, "There are numerous states, not just these three. It's a classification, not limited to BJP, as many revere cows, including Tamil Nadu."
Attempting to reframe the controversy, Kumar detached 'Gaumutra' from its literal meaning, asserting, "It's not about cows but principles and ideology, not solely BJP's interpretation. Elections pivot on ideologies."
During the recent Lok Sabha session, Kumar disparaged Hindi-speaking states as 'Gaumutra states' while discussing 'The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2023'. He suggested BJP's potential to reduce South Indian states to Union territories.
This isn't an isolated incident. In February 2022, Kumar made a similar Hinduphobic remark in Parliament, opposing the National Education Policy's implementation in 'Gaumutra states,' igniting controversy over the policy's execution in Tamil Nadu.
Kumar's repeated use of 'Gaumutra' as a pejorative term has sparked outrage and reignited debate on parliamentary decorum and sensitive language usage.
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