DMK’s Senthilkumar’s 'Gaumutra States' remark at BJP stirs controversy, MP apologizes later

During the heated debate over Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill 2023, and Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2023, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Dr DNV Senthilkumar fired a potshot at Prime Minister Modi ruled Central Government, soon after the 5-states Assembly Polls, stating that “BJP can win elections in only Gaumutra states”. His comments came about the BJP’s win in the Hindi-belt states of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh in the recently concluded state assembly elections. The DMK MP’s comments were met with strong criticism from the BJP. Union Minister Meenakashi Lekhi called it a disrespect of the ‘Sanatani’ tradition. His ‘Gaumutra States` remark triggered a fresh controversy as several Parliamentarians demanded his apology. Later, the DMK MP aplogised and also said that if these remarks have hurt someone`s feelings, then he would not use it again.