New Delhi:

A video featuring DMK leader Dayanidhi Maran, who party sources say is old, may spell trouble for the united INDIA bloc at a time when it gears up for the big Lok Sabha contest in a few months.

In a video whose authenticity could not be verified by NDTV, DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran can be heard comparing the job prospects of those who have only learned Hindi with those who know English. In this context, he said, those who only learn Hindi in Bihar “build houses” and “clean toilets” in Tamil Nadu.

“It is only because they (people here) learn English that they get big salaries in IT companies today. They say 'Hindi Hindi'. You know who built the building. “Those who only learned Hindi in Bihar built houses for us in Tamil Nadu, swept roads and cleaned toilets,” Maran said in a video that went viral.

I.N.D.I Alliance leader and DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran says Hindi speakers from UP and Bihar come and clean toilets in TN.
Rahul Gandhi and Nitish Kumar must clarify, if this is the stated position of the Congress and JDU too.
I.N.D.I Alliance’s divisive agenda is out in full force… pic.twitter.com/i4wwLbYisW

— Amit Malviya (मोदी का परिवार) (@amitmalviya) December 24, 2023

Although Mr. Maran could not be contacted, DMK sources claimed that it was an old video recirculated by the BJP. DMK sources said the BJP circulated the video to divert attention from the backlash Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman faced during her clash with the Tamil Nadu government over its demand for flood relief funds.

The imposition of Hindi is a sensitive issue in Tamil Nadu and the DMK has been at the forefront of agitating against alleged attempts to impose Hindi in the southern state.

Meanwhile, Maran's video sparked a political row, drawing criticism from leaders of the BJP and its Indian ally Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) in Bihar.

Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav condemned the statement. “This is despicable. Leaders of other countries, regardless of party, should avoid such statements. This country is one. We respect the citizens of other states and we expect the same. Such statements should not be made,” he said. told the media.

The DMK leader's viral video drew criticism from Union minister and Bihar leader Giriraj Singh. Mr. Singh used this opportunity to launch a scathing attack on the DMK as well as its ally, the Congress. “The language of the Congress and the DMK is the language of destroying the country. The people of Bihar, wherever they go, work hard, and working with dignity is not a crime. “They contribute to the development of this country,” he said.

The firebrand BJP leader accused the DMK of insulting the nation and referred to party chief Udhayanidhi Stalin's comments on Sanatan Dharma that had triggered a major row. “They did it early. Previously talking about the Sanatan settlement, now targeting workers. Sad. and Rahul Gandhi is happy with this statement,” he said.

BJP leader Amit Malviya shared the video, saying Rahul Gandhi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar should clarify whether the DMK chief's statement is in line with their party's stand.

Previously, influential parties in India in the northern part of the country were caught in a difficult situation due to the Sanatana Dharma statement made by Stalin. The new controversy comes at a time when the opposition bloc is racing against time to resolve internal conflicts and regional rivalries and prepare for a major fight against the formidable BJP.