BJP rebuts Rahul Gandhi on Tamil language row, dismisses Emergency parallel

The BJP on Monday responded sharply to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's comments on Tamil language protection, dismissing his invocation of the Emergency period as politically motivated. Senior party leaders defended the Centre's approach to preserving Tamil culture and language, arguing the Congress lacks credibility on the issue.

Highlighting Congress's political fortunes in Tamil Nadu, BJP representatives pointed out that the party has held no government in the southern state for over five decades. Party leaders challenged Congress to demonstrate comparable commitment to Tamil cultural preservation during its years in power nationally and in other regions.

The exchange comes as the Opposition continues to critique the Centre's approach to regional languages and cultural matters. Congress has alleged that government policies threaten minority language protection, a charge the BJP categorically rejects.

BJP leaders asserted that the ruling coalition has consistently prioritised Tamil language and culture through various policy initiatives at the national level. The party maintained that its track record stands in contrast to Congress's historical performance on such matters, both in Tamil Nadu and across India.