Durai Murugan, a minister from Tamil Nadu, has sparked controversy after suggesting in a public speech that North Indian culture accommodates a tradition where a woman may have multiple husbands, referencing Draupadi, the central female figure from the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. He also warned that he would “cut off” the tongues of those who insult the Tamil language.
This remark comes amid an ongoing dispute between the central government and the Tamil Nadu administration regarding the implementation of a three-language policy as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP).
“In our culture, a man weds only one woman. However, in North India, a woman can have multiple husbands—sometimes as many as five or even ten. Similarly, five men can marry one woman. This is their custom. If one departs, another takes their place,” stated Durai Murugan, as seen in a video gaining traction on social media.
Note: Mint could not independently verify these developments
As tensions rise over language issues between the two administrations, the DMK has unveiled a budget logo featuring a Tamil letter in its design for the upcoming budget of 2025-26, which will be presented in the state Assembly on Friday.
The new budget logo prominently displays the Tamil character ‘ரூ [Ru]’ from ‘rubai,’ replacing the previously used Indian currency symbol.
The logo also bears the motto “everything for all,” which reflects what the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) describes as its all-inclusive governance model.
The replacement of the ₹ symbol has also drawn criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). BJP Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai took to social media to question the rationale behind the Stalin government’s decision, calling it “foolish.”
“The DMK Government’s State Budget for 2025-26 has replaced the Rupee Symbol, which was created by a Tamilian and adopted nationwide. Thiru Udhay Kumar, who designed the symbol, is the offspring of a former DMK MLA. How foolish can you be, Thiru @mkstalin?” Annamalai remarked in his social media post.
