Chennai, Jan. 15 -- Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam MP Kanimozhi on Thursday credited former Tamil Nadu CM Karunanidhi for declaring Pongal as "Tamil New Year".

Kanimozhi was reacting to Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam chief Vijay's 'X' post, which extended greetings for Thai Pongal and the Tamil New Year. It also triggered a fresh debate over the cultural and political significance of linking Pongal with the Tamil New Year.

"Karunanidhi declared Pongal day is Tamil New Year. Many people started celebrating it and to me it is Tamil New Year," Kanimozhi said.

In a message shared on social media, TVK president Vijay had said, "On the auspicious festival of Thai Pongal, may love and peace fill the lives of Tamils across the world, and may health and p...