India, Feb. 5 -- Tamil Nadu agriculture minister MRK Panneerselvam triggered a row with remarks linking migrant workers from northern states to menial jobs and defending the state's two-language policy, reviving the Hindi-versus-regional language debate weeks before the Assembly election.

Speaking at a public event, Panneerselvam said people from the north who "have learnt only Hindi" have limited job opportunities in Tamil Nadu and often end up in low-paying roles, while students from the state benefit from learning Tamil and English.

"Those from the north are coming to Tamil Nadu to clean tables. they are coming here to work as construction labourers, pani puri sellers, as they have only learnt Hindi," the minister said. In contrast, ...