Anti-Hindu Tamil Nadu CM Appeals to Celebrate ‘Dravidi Pongal’

Claims Pongal has no association with religion or caste
Opposition by BJP and AIDMK

(DMK – Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam)

Chennai (Tamil Nadu) – Pongal is a traditional festival of Tamilians to celebrate new harvest. It is not associated with any religion or caste. Pongal is a symbol of social justice, equality and unity; therefore, DMK members may collectively celebrate ‘Dravidi Pongal’, appealed Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M K Stalin. BJP and AIDMK have strongly opposed to this appeal. The opposition parties have alleged that DMK is trying to remove Hindu religious things from Pongal and is trying to change the identity of festivals.

Tamil Nadu's Anti Hindu CM M. K. Stalin calls for ‘Dravidian Pongal’, claiming Pongal has no religious roots.

Opposed by BJP & AIADMK

What else can one expect from the DMK?

Sanatan Dharma and its festivals are eternal – beyond distortion or destruction. 🚩#Pongalcelebration… pic.twitter.com/CabwZ2qq12

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) January 14, 2026

BJP has claimed that DMK is trying to separate Pongal from Hindu almanac and present it as a secular celebration.

AIDMK’s spokesperson Kovai Sathyan stated that DMK is playing politics by changing names of the festivals. Distorting Pongal’s identity is like playing with people’s sentiments. It is being done in the background of the forthcoming elections.

DMK’s explanation after criticism

In its explanation given after the criticism by the opposition, DMK has claimed that the reference of ‘Dravidi Pongal’ was only for the party workers. There is no interference in other people’s religious faith. Pongal is a festival of Tamilian farmers. It is known as ‘Makar Sankranti’ in other States which has a different tradition. The State Government has declared distribution of cash of Rs 3000/- and a packet of ‘Pongal’ material to the ration card holders in the State before Pongal.

Editorial Perspective

What else is expected of a party that promotes elimination of Sanatan Dharma ? Sanatan can never be eliminated or its festivals be changed, let DMK appeal anything.