Tamil Nadu Minister Aadhav Arjuna has triggered a political controversy by announcing that the state will introduce its own flag. He said Tamil Nadu should have a separate flag, pointing out that several other states already have one.

"Many states have a flag for their state. Tamil Nadu doesn't have a flag. A state flag for Tamil Nadu will be introduced," he said.

The Indian Constitution does not prohibit states from having their own flags. However, the BJP has questioned the proposal, calling it secessionist. BJP leader Vinoj P Selvam criticised the announcement in a post on X, saying it could encourage a separatist mindset and create a divide between Tamil and Indian identities.

"This rhetoric risks nurturing a separatist mindset, teaching people to see their Tamil and Indian identities as competing loyalties. Why manufacture a divide where we should take pride in both?"

He further said, "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".

Arjuna also defended Tamil Nadu's two-language policy and called it "necessary". He stressed the importance of prioritising Tamil from the school level.

"English is just a business language. In China, Japan and France, they speak in their language. Tamil should not be a language that can be chosen. It should be mandatory," he added.

Responding to the minister's remarks, Selvam questioned whether the demand for Tamil should apply equally across religious institutions. He asked whether the minister would also demand the use of Tamil in churches and mosques, rather than limiting the demand to temples.

He also challenged the minister to focus on practical issues, including opportunities for Tamil-medium students, employment for young people, Tamil research and support for entrepreneurs.

"Tell us your plans for Tamil-medium students, jobs for our youth, Tamil research and opportunities for our entrepreneurs. Give us targets. Give us deadlines. Designing a flag is easy. Delivering a future takes work," he added.