Tamil actor-politician Vijay recently commented on the ongoing ‘Hindi imposition’ debate in Tamil Nadu, criticizing both the ruling DMK and the BJP for their confrontational exchanges, likening it to a “fight among kindergarten students.” He accused both parties of colluding to ignore public concerns and reiterated his opposition to the three-language policy, which he claims threatens Tamil students. Vijay emphasized the importance of Tamil culture and urged voters to unite under his “#GetOut” campaign, targeting the DMK and BJP. The controversy has prompted resignations within the BJP, including Tamil actor Ranjana Natchiyaar, who joined Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
Chennai:
Tamil actor-politician Vijay entered the ongoing ‘Hindi imposition’ debate between the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led central government, critiquing both sides and referring to their feuding as “a squabble among kindergarten students”. This commentary prompted a quick rebuttal from the DMK, which accused Vijay of “creating an illusion” and being “afraid” of the BJP.
The head of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam, known for his substantial fan base and viewed as a potential contender in the upcoming Assembly elections, appeared to launch his campaign by accusing both the DMK and BJP of orchestrating the dispute regarding the National Education Policy (NEP) and the three-language formula.
“One party sings while the other dances, both in sync… reflecting their collusion to maintain the status quo. This results in the urgent concerns of the public being ignored and unresolved,” the actor asserted, emphasizing the growing influence of his TVK ahead of the 2026 elections.
Vijay also reiterated his opposition to the three-language policy—one that the DMK argues will compel Tamil students to learn Hindi—aligning with the state party’s position that it contradicts the principles of cooperative federalism and the existing and successful two-language policy.
Tamil Nadu’s ‘Language War’
At a party gathering near Chennai, Vijay criticized the central government over reports that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had threatened to withhold Rs 2,400 crore in funding unless the Tamil Nadu government fully accepted the NEP, including the three-language mandate.
READ | “No Question Of Imposing But…”: Education Minister In Hindi Row
Mr. Pradhan’s statement sparked a strong reaction from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and his son, deputy Udhayanidhi Stalin, who proclaimed the state ready for another ‘language war’.
READ | “Tamil Nadu Ready For Language War”: Stalin Jr Amid Hindi Row
Reacting to the exchange between Mr. Pradhan and the Stalins, Vijay remarked, “The central government withholding funds from Tamil Nadu is akin to a squabble among kindergarten students. It is the centre’s duty to provide… ”
In a response to these criticisms, Mr. Pradhan accused the DMK of fabricating a “false narrative” and claimed that the state had initially consented to implement the new policy before the reversal.
“Nowhere in the NEP have we proposed the imposition of any specific language in any state… the Tamil Nadu government has unnecessarily taken a political stance,” he commented.
Vijay’s “#GetOut” Gameplan
In his two-pronged strategy, Vijay also highlighted Tamil Nadu’s cultural and linguistic heritage, urging Tamil voters to unite under his “#GetOut” campaign, aimed at ousting the “landlords”—referring to the DMK from state power and the BJP from the national stage.
“Tamil Nadu is recognized for its self-respect. How can you impose a language counter to state policy in a federal structure?” he questioned, referencing the 1967 and 1977 Tamil Nadu elections.
The 1967 election was characterized by protests against the Congress-led central government’s push to establish Hindi as the sole official language of India. The DMK, back then, also rallied against ‘Hindi imposition’, leading to riots that resulted in the Congress’s defeat, which at that time also held power in Tamil Nadu.
The 1977 election similarly revolved around the ‘Hindi imposition’ controversy.
Tamil Actor Gives BJP Setback
The consequences of the ongoing ‘Hindi imposition’ debate this week included the resignation of senior BJP leader and Tamil actor Ranjana Natchiyaar, who has joined Vijay’s TVK.
READ | Amid ‘Hindi Imposition’ Row, Tamil Actor Quits BJP, Joins Vijay’s TVK
Ms. Natchiyaar, a Tamil Nadu BJP veteran for eight years, cited dissatisfaction with the party’s policies, particularly the push for the three-language formula. She also expressed concerns about the BJP’s central leadership showing “increased hostility towards Dravidians and neglecting the needs of Tamil Nadu… “
With input from agencies
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