Chennai: BJP’s Tamil Nadu Chief, K Annamalai, launched a sharp attack on the DMK government over its decision to replace the Indian currency symbol in the state’s 2025-26 Budget logo with the Tamil alphabet 'Ru'. The move, which has sparked controversy, was met with strong criticism from Annamalai, who called it a "stupid" decision.

Annamalai remarked, "The DMK Government's State Budget for 2025-26 replaces the Rupee Symbol designed by a Tamilian, which was adopted by the whole of Bharat and incorporated into our Currency. Thiru Udhay Kumar, who designed the symbol, is the son of a former DMK MLA. How stupid can you become, Thiru @mkstalin?"

The issue centers on Tamil Nadu State Planning Commission (SPC) Executive Vice Chairman J Jeyaranjan’s explanation that the state's decision to use the Tamil 'Ru' was simply to avoid the Devnagari script. In an interview with ANI, Jeyaranjan said, "We don't want to use Devnagari. That's all..."

The controversy comes ahead of the Tamil Nadu Budget for 2025-26, which is scheduled to be presented in the state assembly on March 14. A video released by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin earlier showcased the new logo, in which the Rupee symbol was replaced by the Tamil 'Ru'.

BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan also weighed in on the matter, questioning the timing of the decision and accusing the DMK of creating drama. "The Indian currency is a federal setup and they have to respect the national symbols. We are not against the Tamil Nadu symbols or language, we are in favour of it..." Soundararajan stated.

She further criticised the DMK government for making such a move after ruling Tamil Nadu for so many years and presenting numerous budgets. "Why do they want to dramatise it like this? They were at the Centre for so many years. Why didn't they take this decision at that time?" she asked.

Soundararajan also suggested that the MK Stalin government was attempting to divert attention from its failures, adding, "Even I have a Tamil name but MK Stalin does not. Ask him if he would change his name into a Tamil name. They are doing all this to deviate attention from the failures of their government..."

The decision to replace the Rupee symbol has ignited a political firestorm, with the BJP accusing the DMK of disrespecting national symbols while the state government defends its stance based on linguistic pride.  | ANI