The Tamil Nadu government has replaced the ₹ (rupee symbol) with a Tamil letter (Ru) in promotional materials for its 2025-26 state budget, sparking a political controversy with the central government.
The DMK-led state government made the change as part of its ongoing resistance to the BJP-led Centre Hindi policies particularly the three-language formula in the National Education Policy (NEP). The swap was highlighted after Chief Minister MK Stalin shared the new logo on social media.
While the DMK insists the move reflects its commitment to prioritizing Tamil identity, the BJP has accused the ruling party of trying to separate itself from India. BJP state unit chief K Annamalai called the move “stupid”, pointing out that the rupee symbol was designed by the son of a former DMK MLA.
The controversy comes as Tamil Nadu prepares for a crucial election battle next year, with the DMK, AIADMK, and BJP set for an intense contest. The BJP, which has never gained a strong foothold in Tamil Nadu, is using the NEP debate to push for greater acceptance of Hindi in the state.
The larger political battle revolves around the National Education Policy, which requires students to learn a third language, including Hindi. Tamil Nadu has long followed a two-language system (Tamil and English) and has strongly opposed the imposition of Hindi.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the DMK of creating a false narrative for political mileage while CM MK Stalin has slammed the NEP as a “saffronization policy” aimed at promoting Hindi over regional languages. The Centre has even threatened to withhold ₹2,150 crore in education funds if Tamil Nadu refuses to implement the policy.
With elections approaching, the language war between the DMK and BJP is expected to escalate further, making it a key issue in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
