பொங்கல் திருநாள் மீண்டும் “கட்டாய விடுமுறை” பட்டியலில் இடம்பெறும் என்ற மத்திய அரசின் அறிவிப்பை வரவேற்கிறேன். #pongalholiday https://t.co/Q6tzDJVQPD

DMK leader M.K. Stalin welcomed the Union Government's decision on January 10, 2017, to restore the harvest festival of Pongal to the list of mandatory compulsory holidays for central government establishments. The central authorities had earlier downgraded Pongal to an optional restricted holiday, triggering widespread indignation across Tamil Nadu from political parties, cultural bodies, and the public.

Stalin noted that Pongal was not merely a seasonal celebration but the premier cultural and linguistic symbol of the Tamil people worldwide. Removing it from the mandatory holiday list had deeply hurt Tamil sentiment and reflected a total disregard for the cultural heritage of the southern state. He highlighted that persistent protests, collective public indignation, and sharp political opposition had compelled the Centre to reconsider its unthinking circular.

The opposition leader stated that the prompt rollback demonstrated the strength of unified public opposition when defending cultural rights. Stalin emphasized that national institutions must show genuine respect for the distinct traditions and linguistic identity of Tamil Nadu. He reiterated that the DMK would continue to guard the cultural pride of Tamils against administrative neglect, asserting that cultural rights must remain inviolable across the country.