The state unit Congress chief K S Azhagiri has criticised the depiction of national Tamil poet Bharathiyar in a saffron turban on the textbook covers in the state.

"Bharathiyar was a Tamil poet and freedom fighter. We oppose the move to put his turban in saffron colour. He was not only a nationalist but also an international leader. How can they saffronise his turban? It is a wrong move, which we oppose," Azhagiri told ANI on Wednesday.

Tami Nadu's main opposition party -- Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) - has also termed the act as an insult to the great national poet.

Though the ruling AIADMK allies have different views in this regard, they have expressed joy over the government's move and defended the decision.

Bharathiyar is considered as one of the greatest Tamil literary figures of all times. He also composed many patriotic songs during the Indian independence movement.

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