The “dip checking” method is used to assess whether things are in one’s favour or not before spreading lies. Divisive forces in India have long mastered this approach and trained their agents accordingly. However, it now appears that DMK leaders are resorting to similar methods — spreading falsehoods and attributing them to well-known anti-India figures.
On June 16, SM Nasar, Tamil Nadu Minister for Minorities Welfare and Non-Resident Tamils Welfare, and DMK leader, stirred controversy by claiming: “Amartya Sen said if Tamil Nadu were a separate country, it would become a superpower and rank 18th among global powers.”
This statement was made during the launch of a report website at the 12th World Tamil Economic Conference, held on June 16, 2025 at a private hotel in Guindy. The event was jointly organised by the World Tamil Economic Institute and the Chennai Development Corporation.
The Minister stated: “To tell the truth, an economist named Amartya Sen is recognised on the world stage. He is a Bengali — not even a Tamil. This man from Bengal was born in Shantiniketan. He studied at Oxford University and Yale University. He has been a professor at both institutions. Among students worldwide, he is known as a brilliant mind. He has also received the Bharat Ratna. Even after winning many awards, he said, ‘I have prepared research reports for the development of many countries. If I’m given the geographical and economic details of a country — what it produces and grows — I submit a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for 5, 10, and 15 years. I have submitted such reports to many countries and witnessed their growth first-hand. In that context, I have studied every state in India, from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, analysing their economic progress.’ And when he sees Tamil Nadu’s performance, he says… He is not a Tamil. If someone like Sampath here had said this… But this was said by Amartya Sen: ‘If Tamil Nadu had been a separate country, it would have ranked as the 18th superpower in the world economically.’”
தமிழ்நாடு மட்டும் இப்போ தனிநாடா இருந்திருந்தா என்ன தெரியுமா ஆகியிருக்கும்?…. தாழ்வு மனப்பான்மையால் பெருமையை சொல்ல மனம் வரல" – பொருளாதார வல்லுனர் சொன்னதாக அமைச்சர் நாசர் பேச்சு…!#Chennai | #MinisterNasar | #Tamilnadu | #DMK | #Economist | #PolimerNews pic.twitter.com/xwMC8rhIeC
— Polimer News (@polimernews) June 17, 2025
However, in reality, Amartya Sen never made such a statement. While he has acknowledged Tamil Nadu’s achievements in public health, education, and innovative governance, he has never claimed that the state would become a “superpower” if it were independent. In his book ‘An Uncertain Glory’, co-authored with Jean Drèze, Sen discusses Tamil Nadu’s social progress and efficient service delivery. He notes that if separated from India for analytical purposes, Tamil Nadu and Kerala would top the charts among South Asian nations in terms of social indicators. But at no point does he advocate secession or describe Tamil Nadu as a potential global superpower.
This clears that Minister’s statement is a distortion of fact, and critics argue it is yet another attempt to sow separatist narratives. These agendas are being openly pushed in the public domain under the guise of cultural or economic discourse, through all possible channels. Not just the DMK, but also its allies — VCK, the Left, May 17 Movement, and Dravidar Kazhagam — continue to promote the idea of state autonomy.
Critics argue that the DMK leaders are experts in claiming credit for others’ hard work. They are masters of sticking their label on someone else’s achievement. They distort statements for their convenience. But when a statement goes against their interest, ideology, or image, they simply disown it and shift the blame onto opponents — forcing them into a defensive position. They speak a lot but do little.
In this case, Minister Nasser appears to be following in the footsteps of his seniors, banking on the belief that Tamil Nadu’s people will be easily misled. In the past too, the DMK falsely claimed that E.V. Ramasamy Naicker had received an award from UNESCO — a fabrication. They have also claimed that C.N. Annadurai received a doctorate from Yale University — another falsehood. The DMK’s IT wing has become a factory for manufacturing lies.
Chief Minister Stalin has often claimed that Tamil Nadu’s “Dravidian Model” governance is the envy of other states — a supposed role model. He also claims that Tamil Nadu is an economic superpower because of innovative projects. But critics say, “It’s a long list of exaggerated claims.”
S.M. Nasar was previously caught on camera throwing a stone at a party cadre, then dropped from the state Cabinet for alleged inefficiency, and later reinstated under the minority quota.
DMK stalwarts, including Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, his Cabinet colleagues, and MPs — notably A. Raja — have repeatedly raised the demand for a Separate Tamil Nadu or Dravida Nadu. A committee has even been formed to suggest ways and means to advance this agenda. The panel is expected to submit its interim report before the State Assembly elections, which are due next March.
These kinds of statements and activities seem to be part of a larger strategy to confuse voters and create distrust among the public in order to retain political power in the upcoming Assembly elections.
