The Tamil Nadu government has set off a firestorm by replacing the official rupee symbol (₹) with the Tamil letter ‘ரூ’ (Ru) in its state budget logo. This bold move by CM M.K. Stalin has fueled the ever-heated language debate, drawing strong reactions from political rivals and reigniting discussions on regional identity versus national standardization.
What’s the Controversy?
The 2025-26 Tamil Nadu budget document features ‘ரூ’ instead of the universally recognized rupee symbol (₹). This departure from last year’s budget design is being seen as a strong assertion of Tamil pride.
Why Did Stalin Do It?
At the heart of this move is Tamil Nadu’s long-standing resistance to Hindi imposition. DMK has consistently championed Tamil identity, and this latest decision is seen as yet another statement against centralized linguistic policies. With elections on the horizon, the move also serves as a strategic way to galvanize regional sentiment.
Political Firestorm
BJP leader K. Annamalai slammed Stalin, calling the move ‘stupid.’ He pointed out the irony that the rupee symbol (₹) was designed by Tamilian D. Udaya Kumar, the son of a former DMK MLA. Why replace a Tamilian’s creation in the name of Tamil identity?
Meanwhile, Stalin didn’t hold back. He took aim at the central government’s National Education Policy (NEP), calling it a “saffronized policy” designed to promote Hindi at the cost of regional languages.
A Symbolic Power Play
This is bigger than just a budget logo. India, with its 22 official languages, constantly walks the tightrope between unity and diversity. The rupee symbol, introduced in 2010, was meant to create a singular monetary identity. By switching it out, Tamil Nadu is making a loud statement: regional identity comes first.
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What’s Next?
This debate won’t die down anytime soon. Will DMK’s move solidify support or backfire? Will this inspire other states to follow suit? One thing is certain—language and politics will continue to collide in India’s diverse democracy.
