‘How Stupid Can You Become…’ Tamil Nadu Budget Sparks Row as Rupee Symbol Replaced with Tamil ‘Ru’
Tamil Nadu’s decision to replace the national rupee symbol (₹) with a Tamil letter ‘Ru’ in its 2025-26 Budget logo has triggered a fierce backlash from the BJP. The move, led by CM MK Stalin’s DMK government, has intensified the ongoing language policy dispute with the Centre.
The new logo, released on Thursday, features ‘Ru’ from the Tamil word ‘Rubaai,’ symbolizing the Indian currency. It also carries the tagline “everything for all,” reflecting the DMK’s governance model. The budget is set to be presented in the state assembly on Friday, marking a significant shift in official documentation.
Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai criticized the decision, highlighting that the rupee symbol was designed by Tamilian D Udhay Kumar, son of a former DMK MLA. “Thiru Udhay Kumar’s design was adopted by the whole of Bharat,” he wrote on X.Annamalai questioned the DMK’s intent, asking, “How stupid can you become, Thiru @mkstalin?”
Speaking to CNN-News18, Annamalai called the move “the last straw on the camel’s back.” He warned that it could have severe consequences for the DMK, predicting a strong public backlash. “There’s no coming back for them now,” he stated, labeling the decision as “double standards.”
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Annamalai argued that altering the rupee symbol challenges the concept of a unified India. “Today they change the symbol; tomorrow they might demand a different uniform for Tamil soldiers,” he cautioned. He stressed that the nation would not accept actions undermining its unity.
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) and its three-language formula. The DMK has consistently resisted what it sees as an imposition of Hindi by the BJP-led Centre. The rupee symbol change adds a new layer to this ongoing political tussle.
As the budget presentation nears, the BJP’s sharp criticism signals a deepening rift with the DMK. Political observers anticipate further reactions from both state and central leaders as the language row escalates. Updates are expected following Friday’s assembly session.
