How can you call us separatists for saying Tamil Nadu?: AIADMK MP hits out at state BJP leaders

AIADMK MP Thambidurai was the architect behind the two factions of the party merging in 2017. (File photo)

By Pramod Madhav: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) MP Thambidurai hit out at the state BJP leaders and questioned how they could call the opposition party members separatists for saying Tamil Nadu.

AIADMK MP Thambidurai stated that it was absurd to call those who say ‘Tamil Nadu’ separatists. “How can you call us separatists for saying Tamil Nadu, which is the name given by the law after being accepted in the Parliament and Assembly?” questioned the MP.

He further said, “The state was termed Tamil Nadu by Bharathiyar, Anna And Periyar! How can you spread such a thing? You should think about it,” stated Thambidurai.

His speech was aimed at certain BJP leaders in the state who claimed that 'Tamilagam' is wholesome to India whereas 'Tamil Nadu' allegedly meant separatism. This particular Tamil Nadu versus Tamilagam controversy was sparked by Governor RN Ravi's Pongal celebration invite.

The MO said that along with the parliamentary elections, the state Assembly elections under the ‘One nation, One election’ policy would be conducted and asked AIADMK cadres to strengthen Edappadi K Palaniswami’s hands.