In a move loaded with political undertones, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu wished Chief Minister MK Stalin on his birthday on March 1, not in the usual vernacular, but in Mandarin, the official language of China. This gesture comes as a subtle dig at the ruling DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) after a recent controversy involving an advertisement that depicted rockets with Chinese flags alongside the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) launch pad.
This advertisement by DMK Minister Thiru Anita Radhakrishnan to leading Tamil dailies today is a manifestation of DMK’s commitment to China & their total disregard for our country’s sovereignty.
DMK, a party flighing high on corruption, has been desperate to paste stickers ever… pic.twitter.com/g6CeTzd9TZ
— K.Annamalai (@annamalai_k) February 28, 2024
The social media post from the official BJP state unit handle read, “Here’s wishing our Honourable CM Thiru MK Stalin Avargal a happy birthday in his favourite language! May he live a long and healthy life!” The use of Mandarin is seen as a mocking reference to the DMK’s recent advertisement faux pas.
The controversy erupted when the DMK released a full-page advertisement featuring ISRO’s new launch pad at Kulasekarapattinam, where the rockets depicted had Chinese flags instead of Indian ones. The advertisement, released by DMK Minister Anitha Radhakrishnan in leading Tamil dailies in southern districts, faced widespread condemnation for seemingly presenting Chinese rockets instead of Indian ones.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi criticised the DMK during a public meeting in Tirunelveli, stating, “They are not ready to accept India’s progress in the space sector, and with the taxes that you pay, they give advertisements and do not even include a picture of India’s space in them. Now it’s high time that the DMK is punished for their deeds.”
Reflecting the BJP’s response to the controversy, L. Murugan, the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit president, expressed his disapproval of the DMK’s actions. He stated, “We condemn this act of DMK. It is an insult to ISRO scientists and the country’s image. It shows the narrow-mindedness of the DMK.”
DMK’s advertisement today is hilarious. They have insulted Indian science and the Indian space sector, for which they must apologise. pic.twitter.com/RwghHNji7q
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 28, 2024
The DMK’s explanation for the Chinese flags in the advertisement was attributed to a design error by Tamil Nadu Fisheries Minister Anitha R Radhakrishnan. He claimed, “A small mistake happened in the advertisement. We have no other intention. We have only love for India in our hearts.” However, the statement did little to quell the controversy, with opposition parties and the public expressing dissatisfaction.
On behalf of @BJP4Tamilnadu, here’s wishing our Honourable CM Thiru @mkstalin avargal a happy birthday in his favourite language! May he live a long & healthy life! pic.twitter.com/2ZmPwzekF8
— BJP Tamilnadu (@BJP4TamilNadu) March 1, 2024
In a retaliatory move, the BJP, known for its strategic and often assertive communication, wished Chief Minister MK Stalin in Mandarin on his birthday. The choice of language is seen as a sly reference to the DMK’s inadvertent inclusion of Chinese flags in its recent advertisement.
For those who would like to wish our CM in Mandarin, please use this:
穆图维尔
卡鲁纳尼蒂
斯大林生日快乐我们祝您健康长寿
(Happy birthday Stalin! Wish you a long and healthy life!)
— BJP Tamilnadu (@BJP4TamilNadu) March 1, 2024
The social media posts by the BJP also included translations of the Mandarin message, wishing Stalin a happy birthday and a long, healthy life. The BJP’s calculated response highlights the increasing political tensions in Tamil Nadu and the use of symbolic gestures to convey disapproval.
#WATCH | On a newspaper advertisement in Tamil Nadu having an image of a rocket with a Chinese flag, DMK MP Kanimozhi says, "I don't know from where the person who did the artwork, found this picture from. I don't think India has declared China as an enemy country. I have seen… pic.twitter.com/0o8tbBwR7z
— ANI (@ANI) February 28, 2024
The controversy surrounding the DMK’s advertisement has not only fueled political sparring but has also drawn attention to the sensitivity surrounding India-China relations. As the political landscape continues to evolve, such incidents contribute to the intricate dynamics of regional politics, especially in the run-up to crucial elections.
The BJP’s use of Mandarin to wish Chief Minister MK Stalin marks a new chapter in the ongoing political tussle, adding linguistic symbolism to an already charged political atmosphere. The response from the DMK and subsequent developments will likely shape the narrative in Tamil Nadu politics in the days to come.
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