'She herself used Tamil letter': MK Stalin on Sitharaman's attack over Rupee symbol replacement

Stalin said those opposing the use of the Tamil language blew the issue out of proportion.

He told reporters the decision was a reflection of Tamil Nadu's commitment to its language policy.

The southern state has been on a warpath with the Centre over implementing the New Education Policy (NEP) and the three-language formula.

"Interestingly, Nirmala Sitharaman herself used the Tamil letter instead of Re [for rupee] in English," Stalin told reporters.

The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday dropped the rupee symbol in the promotional material of the state budget 2025-2026 amid the ongoing language debate in the state, media reports said.

The rupee symbol has been replaced with a Tamil word.

In response, Nirmala Sitharaman slammed the state's ruling DMK over its move, saying it "promotes secessionist sentiments".

"This is more than mere symbolism—it signals a dangerous mindset that weakens Indian unity and promotes secessionist sentiments under the pretence of regional pride. A completely avoidable example of language and regional chauvinism," Sitharaman said.

Hitting out at the DMK government in the state, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s state president K Annamalai wrote on X, "The DMK Government's State Budget for 2025-26 replaces the Rupee Symbol designed by a Tamilian, which was adopted by the whole of Bharat and incorporated into our Currency.

The DMK, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, countered the criticism saying the move is not illegal.