New Delhi: In the wake of Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) triumph in the recent Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, DMK MP DNV Senthilkumar stirred controversy with remarks branding these states as BJPs primary electoral stronghold, mockingly referred to as Gaumutra states.During the debate on the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, Senthilkumar commented on the BJPs strategy, alleging that when unable to secure a state win, they convert it into a Union Territory for easier governance control.People should realise that BJPs power lies in winning elections primarily in the Hindi heartland, what we generally call the Gaumutra states, stated Senthilkumar, challenging the BJPs chances in the Southern regions.BJP RespondsIn response, Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai criticised the DMK MPs comments, accusing the ruling party of a decline in discourse quality. He highlighted the BJPs presence in states like Puducherry and Karnataka, emphasising the arrogance of the DMK.He has possibly forgotten that the NDA Alliance is in power in Puducherry and was in power in Karnataka until recently. The arrogance of DMK will be the prime reason for their downfall! expressed Annamalai.Prime Minister Modis RetortPrime Minister Narendra Modi, buoyed by his partys victories, took a swipe at the opposition, urging them to reconcile with their arrogance, lies, pessimism, and ignorance. Modi cautioned against their divisive agenda and predicted future meltdowns.The people who give such statements have a shallow mindset and are jealous of PM Modis popularity across the world, responded Union Minister of State for Education, Annapurna Devi, condemning Senthilkumars remarks.The controversial statements and counter-responses underline the heightened political tensions and strategic positioning as India heads into a new phase of governance in various states.
