Tamilnadu MP takes Oath in Telugu, here is why ?

It is quite common for MPs representing different states in the Loksabha to display their love towards mother tongue by taking oath in their native language whenever the first parliament sessions are held. This demonstrates the linguistic diversity of our country. But, the 18th Loksabha sessions witnessed a surprising instance when one of the MPs from Tamilnadu took oath in Telugu besides those MPs from our Telugu States.

Congress MP from Krishnagiri constituency in Tamilnadu, K. Gopinath took oath in Telugu, holding the Indian constitution in his right hand. Hailing from a state which is known for its strong identity to protect the language and culture, Gopinath set an example that commitment towards mother tongue is beyond all. This is because he hails from Telugu motherland but settled in Tamilnadu. His forefathers belong to Andhra Pradesh but later migrated to Tamil Nadu.

In the past, Gopinath won as MLA from Hosur constituency in 2001, 2006 and 2011. Later, he was defeated in 2016 by AIDMK candidate P. Balakrishna Reddy. For the first time, he contested as MP in 2024 elections and won from Krishnagiri. Both Hosur and Krishnagiri constituencies border Andhra Pradesh and have a significant population of Telugu speaking people.

Gopinath is a strong advocate of Telugu language in Tamil Nadu. In fact, he is the one who opposed former Chief Minister Jayalalitha’s law making Tamil language compulsory across the state.

He fought passionately against the then government and supported the need for encouraging minority languages with a view for the future generations. Surprisingly, Jayalalitha responded to his arguments in Telugu, during assembly sessions in Tamil Nadu, showcasing a rare instance of mutual respect between languages.

Gopinath’s exemplary display of linguistic love in the parliament is currently the talking point all over.