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Chennai: DMK MP Senthilkumar who embroiled in controversy a day earlier by making an offensive ‘Gaumutra’ comment in Parliament, expressed regret for what he calls were “inadvertent remarks”. After facing backlash for his controversial statements in Parliament and issuing a half-hearted apology on Twitter, the DMK leader stood in Lok Sabha and withdrew his commentary. He also requested the Lok Sabha speaker to expunge his hurtful comments adding that he apologises if it hurt the sentiments of the people.
Mr Senthilkumar’s comment was deleted yesterday, although his apology came a day later.
“If the statement made by me yesterday inadvertently hurt the sentiments of the members and sections of the people, I would like to withdraw it. I request the words to be expunged… and I express my regret,” DMK leader told the Lok Sabha.
This is not the first time that a DMK leader’s remarks have sparked controversy. Earlier, Udhayanidhi Stalin, son of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, had given a controversial statement regarding Sanatan Dharma. BJP took advantage of this comment against Congress during the assembly elections.
Meanwhile, earlier on Tuesday (5th December), hours after hurling the Gaumutra taunt at the Hindi heartland states in Lok Sabha, DMK MP Senthil Kumar had made a half-hearted apology for his comments. Taking to X, he claimed that he did not use the term with ‘any intent’. His remarks added fuel to the ‘north-south’ debate that has been raging since the BJP won elections in the heartland states of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh while Congress swept Telangana.
He tweeted, “Commenting on the results of the five recent state assembly elections, I have used a word in an inappropriate way. Not using that term with any intent, I apologize for sending the wrong meaning across.”
Commenting on the results of the five recent state assembly elections, I have used a word in a inappropriate way.
Not using that term with any intent,
I apologize for sending the wrong meaning across.
— Dr.Senthilkumar.S (@DrSenthil_MDRD) December 5, 2023
In his Lok Sabha speech, Senthilkumar expressed concern over the growing presence of the BJP in South India. He hinted that the party may consider converting the southern states into union territories to indirectly gain power. This statement was rejected by Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai, who criticized Senthilkumar’s comments and suggested that the level of discussion within the DMK was diminishing. Former Karnataka minister and BJP member CT Ravi echoed this sentiment, ridiculing the Congress and questioning whether Rahul Gandhi endorsed such statements.
Responding to the backlash, Senthilkumar issued an apology on social media. He clarified that his choice of words was not intended to give a wrong message. He reaffirmed his respect for ‘Gau Mata’ and promised to be more careful in his future speeches. Despite his apology, the controversy has angered India’s coalition partners and added another layer to the ongoing political discourse in the country.
