A social media misstep by Union Home Minister Amit Shah has sparked a political row in Tamil Nadu, with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) sharply criticizing the BJP for its apparent lack of understanding of the state’s culture and traditions. The controversy arose after Shah posted greetings for Thiruvalluvar Day instead of Pongal, Tamil Nadu’s biggest festival, prompting backlash from state leaders and widespread discussion among political commentators and social media users.

The initial post by Shah, shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account on Thursday, intended to extend greetings for Pongal but mistakenly referred to Thiruvalluvar Day, a celebration dedicated to the revered Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar. Recognizing the error, Shah deleted the post soon after, replacing it with a message correctly acknowledging Pongal. While the deletion and correction sought to mitigate any offense, it did not prevent political repercussions, particularly from the DMK.

Responding to Shah’s tweet, TRB Rajaa, Tamil Nadu’s minister for industries, investment promotion, and commerce, did not hold back. He criticized the BJP for failing to comprehend the unique cultural nuances of Tamil Nadu. “When people ask me about the BJP and Tamil Nadu, I often point out that the fundamental issue is that the BJP simply does not understand Tamils and Tamil Nadu and it doesn’t even take the effort to understand what we need and who we are!” he wrote on social media.

Rajaa elaborated that Pongal and Thiruvalluvar Day, while closely linked in terms of timing on the Tamil calendar, are distinct occasions with their own cultural significance. Pongal, observed on Thursday this year, is a harvest festival that holds deep social and cultural importance across the state, while Thiruvalluvar Day, observed on Friday based on the Tamil solar calendar, commemorates the legacy of the classical poet and philosopher. “Tamil does not need ceremonial praise. It asks for knowledge and understanding. And Delhi should try to start with that,” Rajaa remarked, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness beyond mere ritualistic greetings.

The minister also questioned whether similar lapses had occurred when other BJP leaders engaged with Tamil Nadu culture. He specifically referenced Union Minister of State L Murugan, who hosted Prime Minister Narendra Modi for Pongal celebrations in Delhi on Wednesday. “Now, one also wonders if the Pongal celebrations yesterday in Delhi were also a miscalculation without application of mind and not a date accommodation to enable senior leaders to attend,” Rajaa added, suggesting that errors in observing the correct dates of Tamil festivals could undermine the perceived sincerity of such engagements.

The incident highlights the broader cultural disconnect that the DMK has long accused the BJP of having with Tamil Nadu. Historically, the BJP has struggled to make inroads in the southern state, often due to perceptions that it prioritizes national-level political agendas over regional cultural nuances. Observers note that even small missteps, such as misdating a festival greeting, can become symbolic of a party’s lack of local understanding and sensitivity.

Meanwhile, the BJP sought to clarify its position and downplay the controversy. ANS Prasad, a party spokesperson, issued a statement defending Shah’s tweet. He explained that the Home Minister had initially referenced Thiruvalluvar Day in connection with Pongal festivities, and that the post was later updated or removed to align with the customary sequence of greetings: “This reflects thoughtful consideration and respect for Tamil sentiments and traditions, without any intended malice,” Prasad stated.

Prasad’s statement attempted to frame the error as a minor administrative oversight rather than a deliberate disregard for local culture. He emphasized that Shah’s intentions were respectful and that the subsequent correction demonstrated responsiveness to cultural sensitivities. However, critics argue that such incidents underscore the need for political leaders, particularly those operating nationally, to have deeper familiarity with regional customs and calendars, especially in culturally rich states like Tamil Nadu.

The timing of the misstep added further complexity to the political narrative. Pongal is one of the most celebrated festivals in Tamil Nadu, marking the harvest season and symbolizing gratitude toward nature and agricultural prosperity. The festival is traditionally observed with a series of rituals, including the preparation of the sweet dish Pongal, communal celebrations, and honoring livestock that support farming. Thiruvalluvar Day, on the other hand, honors the 2,000-year-old philosopher whose work, the Tirukkural, is foundational to Tamil literature and ethics. Confusing the two occasions—even inadvertently—can be perceived as a lapse in cultural awareness.

Social media played a pivotal role in amplifying the controversy. Screenshots of Shah’s original post circulated widely, prompting reactions not only from political leaders but also from citizens and cultural commentators. Many highlighted that in a state where regional identity and language pride hold significant political weight, such mistakes are more than symbolic—they can influence public perception of party competence and respect for local culture.

Political analysts note that this incident could have broader implications for the BJP’s engagement strategy in Tamil Nadu. Historically, the party has relied on national-level narratives and policy achievements to expand its base in southern states. However, repeated cultural missteps or miscommunications can hinder these efforts, reinforcing the dominance of regional parties like the DMK and the AIADMK, which are perceived as more attuned to local traditions and public sentiment.

The episode also underscores the importance of cultural literacy in political communication. In India’s diverse socio-political landscape, festival greetings and public messages are not mere formalities—they carry symbolic weight and convey respect for local customs and identity. Errors, particularly by high-ranking officials like the Union Home Minister, are often interpreted through a political lens and can provoke significant backlash.

Despite the criticism, some observers suggest that the situation presents an opportunity for the BJP to demonstrate responsiveness and adaptability. By promptly deleting the erroneous post and issuing a corrected message, the party showed a willingness to acknowledge its mistake. Moving forward, proactive measures—such as consulting state authorities or cultural experts before releasing public greetings—could help mitigate similar issues and enhance the party’s image among Tamil voters.

In summary, the Amit Shah social media controversy highlights multiple dimensions of Indian political communication: the importance of cultural accuracy, the sensitivity of regional identity, and the potential for social media missteps to become politically charged. While the BJP defended Shah’s intentions, the DMK leveraged the incident to criticize the party’s broader disconnect with Tamil Nadu’s cultural and political landscape.

As political debates continue in the state, the episode may serve as a reminder to national parties of the need for nuanced engagement with regional cultures, particularly in a diverse country like India where local traditions, languages, and calendars play a crucial role in shaping public sentiment. Analysts suggest that this event, though minor in itself, could influence perceptions ahead of future elections and shape how national leaders approach cultural communication in the state.

In conclusion, the controversy over Amit Shah’s Pongal misstep is more than a simple social media error—it represents the intersection of politics, culture, and communication in India’s federal context. While the BJP maintains that the Home Minister acted with respect and corrected the post promptly, the criticism from DMK leaders underscores ongoing tensions between national political narratives and regional cultural sensitivities. Going forward, both political parties and public figures are likely to exercise greater care in observing and acknowledging Tamil Nadu’s cultural milestones, recognizing that respect for local traditions is not just symbolic but central to meaningful political engagement in the state.