In a move that has intensified Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP), the MK Stalin-led government replaced the official Rupee symbol (₹) with a Tamil character in the state’s 2025 Budget. This unprecedented step marks the first instance of a state rejecting the national currency symbol, fueling a fresh debate over language politics.
Defending the decision, DMK leader Saravanan Annadurai said, “We have used the Tamil word for Rupees. This is not a confrontation, nor is it illegal. Prioritizing Tamil is our goal, which is why the government proceeded with this move.”
Annadurai further highlighted Tamil Nadu’s educational success, stating, “Our people are not migrating to North India but to the US and UK. The BJP cannot accept this success.” He also pointed out that the Rupee symbol was designed by a Tamilian, reinforcing Tamil Nadu’s contributions to the nation.
However, the BJP strongly condemned the move. Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai accused the DMK of deliberately stoking a language war, stating, “The DMK cannot claim sole authority over the Tamil language. This is another attempt to create division.”
BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan also criticized the decision, calling it political theatrics. She questioned why DMK leaders do not enroll their children in government schools if they truly prioritize Tamil.