Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai shares image of Tamilanangu; DMK reacts to Sanskrit alphabet in picture

Tamil Nadu's ruling party Dravida Munnetra Kazagham (DMK) on Monday came down heavily on state BJP chief chief Annamalai shared an image of Tamilanangu (Tamil Angel) on his Twitter account. Tamilanangu or 'Goddess Tamil' is a word from Tamil Thai Vazhthu, or the Tamil national anthem. However, the DMK has taken offence over a Sanskrit word in the background of the image.

On Sunday, Annamalai shared the image of a Goddess wearing a red saree and ornaments highlighting the five epics in Tamil on a saffron background with Tamil words “Yethisaiyum Pugazh Manama irundhaperum Thamizhanangey” that translates to: Tamil Angel you remain with your popularity spread in all directions.

However, DMK Industries Minister Thangam Thennarasu took offence at Annamalai’s post, as it had a Sanskrit alphabet in the background.

“In the disguise of admiring Tamilanangu, you have inserted a Sanskrit alphabet into the background. This has exposed the knife hidden under your folded hands,” tweeted Thangam Thenarasu.

The DMK leader quoted a verse from Thirukkural and said, "Just like how a knife could be hidden inside the folded hands of the enemy, their hearts will only be filled with betrayal even when their eyes are filled with tears."

Reacting to DMK, Annamalai said, "I was informed about the industries minister criticising me for using word (sa) in Tamilanangu pic. I’m astonished that DMK is opposing the first letter in the chief minister’s name who keeps saying Tamil, Tamil."

Notably, AR Rahman had shared Tamilanangu representational picture during the heated debate over Hindi imposition. The picture was of a woman wearing a white saree and with her hair open, dancing while holding a spear.