DMK MP Describes Hindi Heartland As 'Gaumutra' States: Who Is DNV Senthil Kumar?

DMK Lok Sabha member DNV Senthil Kumar has sparked controversy after describing the Hindi heartland as "gaumutra states". His comments have been condemned by the BJP as well as the DMK ally Congress.

During a debate on the J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill in the House, he said the BJP can win elections only in the Hindi heartland states and not in south India.

While his description of the Hindi heartland as "gaumutra" states was expunged by the Lok Sabha Speaker later, the remarks sparked controversy with several members across party lines condemning the DMK leader and the video of his speech going viral on social media.

BJP leaders termed Senthil Kumar's remarks as "hate speech" and said the voters will "wipe out" the INDIA bloc from southern India as well in the next elections.

"Very unfortunate choice of words. Unparliamentary. Senthil Kumar must forthwith apologize and withdraw his comments," Congress Lok Sabha member Karti Chidambaram said on X. Likewise, former union minister Milind Deora said, "Very unfortunate to witness an Indian MP making derogatory statements against GauMata & SanatanaDharma culture revered by over one billion Indians. Many, including myself, consider ourselves Sanatanis,"

"DMK must realise that its reckless remarks only weaken INDIA Alliance's efforts in challenging BJP in the Hindi heartland. India is one, and there is no place for a north-south divide," Deora said.

The DMK leader's remarks come in the backdrop of some referring to the recent assembly election results as reflective of the 'North-South divide' after the BJP trounced the Congress in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, and the Congress won in Telangana.

However, Senthil later apologised. "Commenting on the results of the five recent state assembly elections, I have used a word in a inappropriate way. Not using that term with any intent, I apologize for sending the wrong meaning across," he said in a post on X.

Who Is S Senthilkumar?

S Senthilkumar was elected to the Lok Sabha in the 2019 Indian general election as a member of the DMK. He had defeated PMK Chief Dr Anbumani Ramadoss in the polls from Dharmapuri Constituency. His grandfather DN Vadivelu Gounder was INC MLA in 1965.

He completed his MBBS from Annamalai University, Chidambaram in January 2002. Subsequently, he earned his MD (RD) degree from Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Sri Ramachandra University, in June 2016.