New Delhi/IBNS: Defending his government's stance to replace the rupee symbol with the Tamil letter 'Ru' in the state Budget logo, Chief Minister MK Stalin said even Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had used the Tamil letter instead of the rupee symbol.

Stalin said those opposing the use of the Tamil language blew the issue out of proportion.

He told reporters the decision was a reflection of Tamil Nadu's commitment to its language policy.

The southern state has been on a warpath with the Centre over implementing the New Education Policy (NEP) and the three-language formula.

"Interestingly, Nirmala Sitharaman herself used the Tamil letter instead of Re [for rupee] in English," Stalin told reporters.

The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday dropped the rupee symbol in the promotional material of the state budget 2025-2026 amid the ongoing language debate in the state, media reports said.

The rupee symbol has been replaced with a Tamil word.

In response, Nirmala Sitharaman slammed the state's ruling DMK over its move, saying it "promotes secessionist sentiments".

"This is more than mere symbolism—it signals a dangerous mindset that weakens Indian unity and promotes secessionist sentiments under the pretence of regional pride. A completely avoidable example of language and regional chauvinism," Sitharaman said.

Hitting out at the DMK government in the state, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s state president K Annamalai wrote on X, "The DMK Government's State Budget for 2025-26 replaces the Rupee Symbol designed by a Tamilian, which was adopted by the whole of Bharat and incorporated into our Currency.

The DMK, led by Chief Minister MK Stalin, countered the criticism saying the move is not illegal.