DMK Politicises Pongal Kolams With 'Tamil Nadu Vaazhga' Slogans

Kolams (similar to rangoli) have been politicised yet again by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK). Following the suggestion of Chief Minister MK Stalin, DMK leaders and party workers posted pictures of kolam designs in front of their houses with 'Tamil Nadu Vaazhga', (Long Live Tamil Nadu!) drawn near them.

The typical Pongal kolam design consists of a pot with pongal (a rice dish made on the occasion) and two stalks of sugarcane beside it. Lot of people also mention 'Happy Pongal' in English or 'Pongal Nazhvalthukal' (good wishes for Pongal) in Tamil near the design.

The 'Tamil Nadu Vaazhga' slogan is being used by the DMK and its allies like the Congress and the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) to protest against Governor RN Ravi's suggestion to call the state as 'Tamizhagam' (also written as 'Tamilakam') instead of Tamil Nadu.

According to political observers, Ravi might have said so because he felt that ‘Tamil Nadu’ has separatist connotations as ‘Nadu’ has often been taken to mean ‘a nation or country.’

Few years back, DMK supporters had made kolams saying 'No CAA, No NRC' in order to protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

Also Read: Anti-CAA Rangoli Protests: A Pakistan Connection Emerges; And It Seems Protesters Drew ‘No To CAA’ Kolams Without Consent Of House Owners