Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin for replacing the rupee (₹) symbol with the Tamil equivalent (ரூ) in the state’s Budget documents. The move, she said, signaled a dangerous mindset that “weakens Indian unity and promotes secessionist sentiments under the guise of regional pride.”
Sitharaman further pointed out that the Tamil word ‘Rupaai’ is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Rupya’, which means ‘wrought silver’ or ‘a worked silver coin’. She emphasized that the rupee symbol is internationally recognized and integral to India’s financial identity.
Her remarks come after CM Stalin unveiled a teaser of the Tamil Nadu Budget 2025-26 featuring the state’s version of the currency symbol. The ruling DMK’s decision sparked controversy, with critics, including Tamil Nadu BJP leaders, accusing the party of undermining national unity.
Adding fuel to the fire, Sitharaman noted that the rupee symbol was originally designed by Udaya Kumar, son of former DMK MLA N Dharmalingam, and was officially adopted in 2010. She claimed that removing it now disregards a significant national symbol and the creative contribution of a Tamilian.
With countries like Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Indonesia still using ‘rupee’ or its derivatives as their currency name, Sitharaman questioned DMK’s stance, saying that this move could fuel secessionist sentiments under the guise of regional pride. As the controversy rages on, the debate over language, identity, and nationalism continues to shape political discourse in Tamil Nadu.
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