DMK MP Kanimozhi Somu delivered a forceful critique of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Tamil Nadu for the Gangaikonda Cholapuram millenary celebrations, alleging that his display of affection for Tamil culture was politically motivated and inconsistent with his government’s actions.
She questioned Modi’s “selective interest” in Tamil heritage, pointing out the three-language policy in the New Education Policy, which mandates Hindi, English, and the regional language. “If the Prime Minister truly respects Tamil, he should retract the third-language policy,” she said, asserting that English should remain the medium of national communication without imposing Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states.
Somu also criticized Modi for bringing Ganga water to the Tamil heritage event, arguing that it undermines his role as a national leader. “He’s not a religious representative or someone who should encourage superstition,” she added, implying that such symbolic acts align more with sectarian identity politics than national unity.
Touching upon the Keezhadi archaeological findings, which many scholars believe point to a highly advanced and ancient Tamil civilization, Somu accused the BJP-led central government of deliberately suppressing the discovery's significance. She stated, “Keezhadi has the potential to rewrite Indian history and prove that Tamil is the world’s oldest language—something the Centre doesn’t want to highlight.”
In a sharp rebuke, she accused Modi of hypocrisy: “He’s someone who places a child on his lap but pinches it—symbolic of a double-faced approach. You can’t celebrate Tamil legacy at Gangaikonda Cholapuram while ignoring Keezhadi.”
Somu further questioned the Prime Minister’s engagement with Tamil Nadu, noting that his visits only coincide with elections. “When the state doesn’t have elections, he’s abroad. But now, with elections looming, he’s suddenly here again.”
She also dismissed AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami’s (EPS) ongoing state tour, calling it politically insignificant. Highlighting internal contradictions between AIADMK and BJP, she said: “Amit Shah says it’s a coalition, but EPS claims he’ll win alone. There’s no coordination or clarity. And let’s not forget—EPS became CM through the backdoor.”
Overall, Kanimozhi Somu’s remarks reflect a deep skepticism of the BJP's intentions in Tamil Nadu, accusing the ruling party of symbolism over substance and undermining Tamil identity and history for electoral gain.
