Modi’s political slugfest in Odisha insults Tamils

02:49 PM May 22, 2024 | Afternoon News

Speaking at a sizable gathering in the Puri region before of the LokSabha elections, Prime Minister NarendraModi declared, "There is a missing key to the PuriJagannath Temple's treasure room.We might make an appeal to Lord Jagannath if our home key is lost. However, it is the Jagannath Temple's treasure room key that has gone. There are rumours that Tamil Nadu has received the key,"he said in the passing. 
The name of V.K Pandiyan, a senior member of the BijuJanata Dal and a former IAS official from Madurai, was mentioned in passing by Prime Minister NarendraModi.
Similarly, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said during the campaign, ``Can a person from Tamil Nadu form the government in Odisha? "Whoever can become the chief minister of Odisha should be from the land of Odisha and should be able to speak the Odia language," he  said indirectly criticizing  P.K Pandiyan.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister M.K Stalin strongly criticized Modi's speech as insulting Tamils. In a related post, he has stated, "This is an insult toPuriJagannath, who is worshiped by millions of people, and insulting to the people of Tamil Nadu, who have good relations and friendship with the state of Odisha. The people of Odisha have unlimited devotion to Jagannath. Isn't this an inciting speech against the people of Tamilnadu?,” he had questioned.
Shouldn't a person from one state settle in other states of India and become popular in politics? So many people have risen to fame and power; They have also risen in politics. Why, the people of Tamil Nadu were the ones who made the Chief Minister a person who came to Tamil Nadu from another state. We should not forget we are all Indians.
In that case, a Tamil in Bihar can be criticized. It should only be political criticism. Instead of that, it is not fair in any way to portray all Tamils as thieves. The Prime Minister talking like that is not good for national unity. Similarly, Amit Shah should have stopped saying that people of Odisha should rule Odisha. He should not have talked about Tamil Nadu.
Such controversial talks cannot be passed as this is normal in politics. Incidents like these tell us that whoever it is, especially those who are in the main positions of the country should speak with moderation.
In the face of condemnation from many quarters, PM Modi may have evened out the situation by giving some explanation even if he did not express regret!