DMK's move to replace rupee symbol: A threat to Indian unity, says Nirmala Sitharaman

DMK-led Tamil Nadu government's move to replace the rupee symbol signals a dangerous mindset that weakens Indian unity and promotes secessionist sentiments under the pretence of regional pride, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Thursday.

Launching a scathing attack on DMK, she said the party should have protested when the rupee symbol was adopted by UPA in 2010. "Ironically, rupee symbol was designed by D Udaya Kumar, the son of former DMK MLA N Dharmalingam. By erasing it now, DMK is not only rejecting a national symbol but also utterly disregarding the creative contribution of a Tamil youth," she said.

"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," she said.