TN Govt's Removal Of Rupee Symbol From Budget Logo Undermines National Unity: Nirmala Sitharaman

Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami condemned the DMK government's move, calling it a publicity stunt to divert attention from administrative failures

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's decision to remove the rupee symbol (`) from the logo of the state's 2025-26 Budget has sparked widespread criticism.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is among the latest to condemn the move.

In an X post, she said "a completely avoidable example of language and regional chauvinism".

She also said that the decision reflects a dangerous mindset that undermines India's unity. She questioned the DMK's opposition to the rupee symbol, pointing out that it was officially adopted in 2010 under the Congress-led UPA government, during which the DMK was part of the ruling alliance at the Centre.

"This is more than mere symbolism -- it signals a dangerous mindset that weakens Indian unity and promotes secessionist sentiments under the pretence of regional pride. A completely avoidable example of language and regional chauvinism," she wrote.

Sitharaman also highlighted the irony behind the decision, pointing out that the rupee symbol was designed by D. Udaya Kumar, son of former DMK legislator N. Dharmalingam.

"By erasing it now, the DMK is not only rejecting a national symbol but also utterly disregarding the creative contribution of a Tamil youth," she said.

BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya also criticised the move.