'Decolonisation' bills hint at 'recolonisation': TN CM Stalin on new criminal laws

The Tamil Nadu ruling DMK vehemently objected to the nomenclature of the central bills aimed at introducing fresh criminal laws across the nation, labeling it as "Hindi imposition" and a bold endeavor to meddle with India's diverse fabric.

DMK President and Chief Minister M K Stalin said the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have no moral right to "even utter the word Tamil hereafter." "Recolonisation in the name of Decolonisation! The audacious attempt by the Union BJP Government to tamper with the essence of India's diversity through a sweeping overhaul - Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill - reeks of linguistic imperialism." "This is an affront to the very foundation of #INDIA's unity. BJP and Prime Minister Modi have no moral right to even utter the word #Tamil hereafter," he said in a tweet.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasized their role in replacing colonial-era laws. He affirmed that the upcoming laws would revolutionize the nation's criminal justice system while safeguarding the rights of Indian citizens.He introduced the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023; Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bill, 2023; and Bharatiya Sakshya (BS) Bill, 2023 that will replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860; Criminal Procedure Act, 1898; and the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 respectively.

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Stalin said that "in the crucible of history, Tamil Nadu and DMK have emerged as the vanguards against such oppressive overtones." "From the Anti-hindi agitations to safeguarding our linguistic identity, we have withstood the storm of #HindiImposition before, and we shall do it again, with unyielding determination. The fire of resistance against #HindiColonialism is ablaze once more. The BJP's audacious bid to supplant our identity with Hindi will be opposed resolutely," he asserted.

The party also ridiculed the NDA government over the nomenclature of the three bills, saying it showed how much the BJP "is afraid of 'India'", alluding to the name of the multi-party opposition bloc.

Senior DMK leader and party spokesperson TKS Elangovan said the word 'Bharatiya' was being used in the bills instead of India as "they are afraid of the term." "They have changed the name of the bills as 'Bharatiya' instead of 'India'. So how much they are afraid of India; they stand exposed," Elangovan told PTI.

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"They are afraid of the term 'India' because the name was taken by opposition parties. These are all very immature...exhibits the immaturity of this government," he said.

The mega opposition grouping comprising the Congress, DMK, Left parties, TMC and AAP, among others, was named Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) recently.

Elangovan, a former MP, also questioned the need for tabling the bills on the last day of the session.

".....why should they introduce these bills and what they will do is rake up some trouble there. When the opposition parties walk out, there will be no voting; they will pass it," he charged.

He termed the move "anti-democratic".

(With agency inputs)