'Gaumutra' remark of DMK MP irks all

New Delhi, NT Bureau: DMK Lok Sabha member DNV Senthil Kumar on Tuesday triggered a row by describing Hindi heartland as "gaumutra states", drawing instant condemnation from the BJP as well as its ally Congress, whose leaders asked him to tender an apology.

While participating in a discussion on a J&K Bill in the House, he said the BJP can win elections only in the Hindi heartland and not in south India.

While his description of the Hindi heartland as "gaumutra" states was expunged by the Speaker, the remarks sparked a controversy with several members condemning the DMK leader.

Facing flak, he later apologised. "Commenting on the results of the five recent state assembly elections, I have used a word in a inappropriate way. Not using that term with any intent, I apologize for sending the wrong meaning across," he said in a post on X.

Senthil Kumar's comments come in the backdrop of some referring to the recent assembly election results as reflective of the 'North-South divide.'