The Tamil Nadu transport department has ignited a political and cultural controversy after removing the state's name from stickers displayed on government-owned mofussil buses. This move has triggered immediate protests by Tamil organizations and political parties across the state, who see it as an affront to Tamil identity.
What Changed on the Buses?
Numerous government buses operated by the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) have undergone a subtle but significant change. Buses under divisions like Villupuram and other regional units no longer carry the words ‘Tamil Nadu' in Tamil on the stickers affixed to their windshields, rear, and sides. Instead, the vehicles now display only the generic phrase ‘State Transport Corporation'.
M Radhakrishnan of the Inaiyum Kaigal Workers' Union revealed that depot officials received instructions to follow this revised format over the past three to four months. "No reason was communicated to us for the change," he stated, highlighting the lack of clarity from the authorities.
Wave of Protests Across the State
The omission has led to organized demonstrations in several key locations. Protesters took to the streets in Kancheepuram on Monday, following similar actions in Hosur and Salem a few days earlier. In a direct form of protest, activists carried their own stickers bearing the words ‘Tamil Nadu' and pasted them onto government buses that lacked the state's name.
Gopi of the Karnataka Tamil Paathukaapu Iyakam, who led one of the protests, posed a pointed question: "When Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation buses can carry the full name of the state, there is no reason Tamil Nadu cannot follow the same practice that it followed for years." Meanwhile, Naam Tamilar Katchi chief Seeman directly accused the state government of deliberately removing the Tamil Nadu name.
Government Response and Official Silence
The state's transport minister, S S Sivasankar, was unavailable for comment on the escalating issue. However, Transport Department Secretary S J Chiru addressed the allegations. He asserted that it would be incorrect to suggest the state was deliberately avoiding the use of ‘Tamil Nadu'. Chiru claimed the current practice has been in place for some time but added that the department would look into the issue following the public outcry.
The situation remains tense as cultural and political groups continue to demand a formal reversal of the decision and a clear explanation from the state administration. The controversy touches a nerve on issues of regional pride and identity in Tamil Nadu's public sphere.
