Chandrika Yadav, a prominent Bihar Congress leader, has issued a legal notice to Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Dayanidhi Maran, demanding an apology within 15 days for purported derogatory remarks about individuals studying only Hindi in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Expressing outrage at Maran’s alleged statement suggesting that those studying solely Hindi “build houses” and “clean toilets” in Tamil Nadu, Yadav asserted that this comment attacked the dignity and self-respect of Biharis. Yadav emphasized that failure to issue an apology within the stipulated time frame would lead to legal action.
Yadav clarified that the legal notice was initiated in his personal capacity, dissociating it from any formal association with the Bihar Congress. He underscored the need to address what he deemed as an assault on the pride of Biharis and their substantial contributions to the progress of various states.
This move by Yadav follows a statement by Bihar’s Deputy Chief Minister and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, who condemned Maran’s remarks as reprehensible and deserving of censure.
The controversy stemmed from a viral video, purportedly from 2019, where Maran reportedly compared the professional opportunities of individuals proficient in English with those solely acquainted with Hindi. The DMK MP’s remarks insinuated that individuals from Bihar, acquainted only with Hindi, were engaged in menial jobs in Tamil Nadu.
While the RJD, Janata Dal United (JD(U)), and the DMK are part of the opposition’s INDIA bloc, Chandrika Yadav highlighted the substantial positions held by Biharis in bureaucratic roles and various professions across southern states.
Referencing a past case where a complaint led to a conviction in 2022, Yadav indicated a potential legal action against Maran in a Jehanabad court once the winter vacation concludes.
The DMK, however, clarified that the statement was misconstrued and aimed to highlight the importance of English in white-collar professions globally. They accused the BJP of distorting the narrative to tarnish the DMK’s image.
As the issue unfolds, tensions rise amid political alignments and accusations, sparking debates around language, regional pride, and employment prospects across states.
Sources By Agencies