MK Stalin warns Centre amid NEP language row.
The ongoing National Education Policy (NEP) language row between the Centre and Tamil Nadu intensified after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused Chief Minister MK Stalin of distorting progressive reforms for political gain.
The controversy stems from Tamil Nadu’s strong opposition to the NEP’s three-language formula, which includes Hindi as a mandatory option. The state government has repeatedly emphasized its commitment to the two-language system—Tamil and English—and rejected any attempts to impose Hindi.
Responding to Pradhan’s remarks, Stalin warned the Centre against interfering in the state’s language policies, likening Tamil Nadu’s resistance to a “beehive” that should not be disturbed. “Tamil Nadu has always opposed Hindi imposition. Any attempt to enforce it will meet with strong opposition from the people,” Stalin stated.
The heated exchange has reignited the debate over linguistic autonomy in India, with Tamil Nadu standing firm against what it perceives as an effort to erode regional identities. The DMK government has vowed to continue resisting any policy that threatens the state’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
MK Stalin Warns Centre Over NEP Language Row, Accuses BJP of Political Agenda
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday intensified the ongoing language controversy, strongly rebutting Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s call to “rise above politics” regarding the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP). Stalin reaffirmed the state’s commitment to its two-language policy and issued a stern warning to the Centre, cautioning them against “throwing stones at a beehive.”
The dispute was triggered by a letter from Stalin to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in which he opposed the Centre’s decision to link two centrally sponsored schemes to the implementation of the NEP. Stalin accused the central government of withholding Tamil Nadu’s rightful funds to pressure the state into adopting the controversial three-language policy, which includes Hindi as a mandatory component.
Centre vs. Tamil Nadu: The Language Divide
The DMK government has been steadfast in rejecting the three-language policy introduced under the NEP, arguing that it is a veiled attempt to impose Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states. Tamil Nadu, which has historically opposed Hindi imposition, continues to champion its two-language formula—Tamil and English—rather than adopting Hindi as a compulsory third language.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in response to Stalin’s objections, urged the Tamil Nadu CM to “rise above political differences” and consider the interests of young learners. He defended the NEP, saying it aimed to provide equal educational opportunities to students across the country, without linguistic bias. Pradhan dismissed Stalin’s opposition as politically motivated, accusing the DMK leader of “spinning progressive reforms into threats to sustain political narratives.”
MK Stalin’s Strong Rebuttal
In a strongly worded response, Stalin accused the BJP-led central government of using education as a political tool to further its ideological agenda. He argued that the Centre’s insistence on the three-language policy was an attempt to dilute Tamil Nadu’s linguistic identity and enforce Hindi dominance.
Stalin asked, directly challenging Pradhan’s claims that the Centre was acting in the best interest of students.
He further emphasized that the DMK and its allies would resist any attempts to impose Hindi, stating, “As long as I and my DMK party exist, we will not allow any activities inimical to the Tamil language, the state, and its people on our soil.”
Historical Resistance to Hindi Imposition
The state witnessed intense anti-Hindi agitations in the 1930s, 1960s, and even in recent years, whenever the Centre attempted to introduce policies perceived as enforcing Hindi. The Dravidian movement, which has shaped Tamil Nadu’s political landscape for decades, has always advocated for linguistic autonomy and resisted any attempts to prioritize Hindi over regional languages.
Stalin’s remarks reflect a continuation of this stance, reinforcing the DMK’s core ideological opposition to what it calls “Hindi imposition.” The Chief Minister reiterated that Tamil Nadu will not compromise on its language policy, which has successfully served the state’s students for decades.
Centre’s Response and Political Implications
Following Stalin’s remarks, the BJP has doubled down on its stance, arguing that the NEP aims to equip students with multiple language skills to enhance their career opportunities. The party insists that learning Hindi alongside Tamil and English would benefit students in the long run by expanding their access to jobs across India.
However, the DMK sees this as an overreach by the Centre. The party believes that linguistic diversity should be preserved and that states should have the right to decide their own education policies.
The BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit has also criticized Stalin, claiming that his statements are misleading and politically motivated. BJP leaders have argued that Tamil Nadu students should have the option to learn Hindi if they choose to and accused the DMK of suppressing educational opportunities for political gain.
Political Fallout and What Lies Ahead
This latest confrontation between the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government and the BJP at the Centre is likely to escalate further as the 2024 general elections approach. The issue of language has always been a sensitive one in Tamil Nadu, and political analysts believe that Stalin is using this controversy to rally support against the BJP.
By positioning himself as the defender of Tamil identity, Stalin is reinforcing the DMK’s traditional voter base, which has historically opposed central interference in state affairs. Meanwhile, the BJP is trying to make inroads in Tamil Nadu and sees the NEP as an opportunity to appeal to young voters who might view learning Hindi as an advantage in national and international job markets.
With both sides refusing to back down, the NEP language row is set to be a major flashpoint in the ongoing battle between regional autonomy and central governance. Whether the Centre will reconsider its stance or push ahead with its language policy remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Tamil Nadu’s resistance to Hindi imposition is unlikely to wane, and the DMK will continue to use this issue as a rallying point in its fight against the BJP’s national policies.