New Delhi: Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Member of Parliament, DNV Senthilkumar S, expressed regret and formally withdrew controversial remarks made in Lok Sabha, which had triggered a political storm.Speaking in the Lok Sabha, Senthilkumar stated, The statement made by me yesterday inadvertently, if it had 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.The DMK MP had come under scrutiny for using a certain pejorative term for the BJP after the partys victories in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla expunged the contentious remarks from the parliamentary record.Opposition BacklashThe controversy led to BJP MPs demanding an apology during the third day of the 2023 Winter Session of Parliament. Union Minister Piyush Goyal sought an apology from DMK MP TR Baalu for Kumars comments, highlighting the need for a conducive functioning environment in the House.Previous Days RemarksIn his original statement, Senthilkumar had commented on the BJPs electoral strength, suggesting it predominantly lay in the Hindi heartland states. He used a pejorative term, leading to a political uproar.Social Media ApologyFollowing the parliamentary session, Senthilkumar took to social media to issue an apology for his comments. He clarified that the term used was not intended with any malice, stating, Not using that term with any intent, I apologize for sending the wrong meaning across.BJPs Continued CriticismDespite the apology, the BJP persisted in its criticism, accusing the INDIA bloc of making divisive comments. Union Minister Anurag Thakur launched a scathing attack on the Congress and the INDIA alliance, alleging a conspiracy to undermine the countrys culture.Union Minister Giriraj Singh also weighed in, cautioning against disrespecting Ganga and Gau, which he deemed as integral to Indias cultural identity.The controversy underscores the ongoing tensions and political dynamics within the Indian Parliament.
