Minister wants Vijay to hoist separate state flag, BJP warns against separatism

CHENNAI: A proposal to introduce a separate flag for Tamil Nadu has triggered a political controversy, with minister Aadhav Arjuna urging Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay to hoist the proposed flag for the first time. The demand has drawn sharp criticism from the BJP.

Speaking at the Tamil Nadu Day celebrations at the government museum auditorium in Chennai, Arjuna said the state should have its own flag reflecting its language, culture and regional identity.

He proposed that the chief minister hoist the flag on November 1, observed as Tamil Nadu Day, and July 18, marking the Assembly resolution to rename Madras State as Tamil Nadu. He also suggested that the flag be displayed in every household across the state.

Arjuna called for the proposed flag to be accorded significance comparable to the national Tricolour and suggested that the two occasions be celebrated on the lines of Independence Day and Republic Day.

Government to examine proposal

Meanwhile, Tamil Development Minister Rajmohan said the government would examine the demand for a separate state flag. Citing Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh as examples, he said the proposal would be considered before a final decision is taken.

BJP raises objection

The proposal has drawn criticism from BJP leader Vinoj P Selvam, who accused the ruling establishment of projecting Tamil and Indian identities as competing loyalties.

In a post on X, Selvam said Tamil identity did not require a separate flag to establish its pride.

“Our language did not wait for your flag. Our civilisation does not need your certificate. And our Tamil identity does not become any smaller beneath the Indian Tricolour,” he wrote.

He warned that such statements could encourage a separatist mindset and questioned why Tamil and Indian identities should be presented as opposing each other.

Selvam also questioned the emphasis on promoting Tamil in religious institutions, asking whether the same demand would apply to churches and mosques as well as Hindu temples.

The debate over a separate flag has once again brought regional identity, linguistic pride and national unity into the political spotlight in Tamil Nadu.