Central Government vs Tamil Nadu in Hindi Language Dispute

Central Government vs Tamil Nadu in Hindi Language Dispute

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The ongoing dispute between Tamil Nadu and the central government over the National Education Policy’s three-language formula escalated in Parliament. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized the ruling DMK for harming students’ futures, invoking a controversial remark that was later rescinded. Chief Minister MK Stalin accused Pradhan of arrogance and “Hindi imposition,” asserting the state’s commitment to a two-language system (Tamil and English). The DMK refuted Pradhan’s claim that they had initially agreed to the policy, emphasizing that students should not be forced to learn a third language. The tensions reflect historical resistance in Tamil Nadu to perceived impositions from the North.


New Delhi:

The clash between Tamil Nadu and the central government regarding the ‘language conflict’—centered around the National Education Policy and its three-language formula, which the state perceives as an ‘imposition of Hindi’—intensified both inside and outside Parliament on Monday. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized Tamil Nadu’s ruling party, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), claiming they are “ruining the future of students (from the state).” He also used derogatory language to describe Tamil Nadu, which he later retracted, and it was subsequently removed from the Lok Sabha’s records.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, who labeled the ‘imposition of Hindi’ as an act of “entitled bigots,” provided a strong counter; on X, he admonished Mr. Pradhan to “mind his words” and claimed, “The Union Education Minister, who fancies himself as a king and speaks condescendingly, needs to be disciplined!”

“They (the DMK) are being deceitful. They lack commitment to Tamil Nadu students. They are destroying the future of Tamil Nadu students. Their sole agenda seems to be amplifying language barriers. They are engaging in political mischief and are undemocratic,” Mr. Pradhan argued in the Lok Sabha.

The DMK retaliated by submitting a privilege motion by K Kanimozhi to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.

His comments followed an earlier assertion that Tamil Nadu had originally consented to fully adopt the new education policy along with its three-language formula but later reversed its stance, allegedly to exploit this emotive issue for electoral gains in next year’s Assembly election.

He also asserted that “internal conflicts” within the DMK—which has been the dominate party in recent elections, including the 2021 Assembly and 2024 Lok Sabha polls—were responsible for the current impasse.

Mr. Pradhan’s remarks incited a ruckus in the Lok Sabha, which was subsequently adjourned for 30 minutes.

DMK MPs continued to protest against his statement outside the Parliament building.

“Thinks Of Himself As King”

The minister’s comments prompted a sharp reaction from Mr. Stalin, who stated that Mr. Pradhan “thinks of himself as a king.” “You are insulting the people of Tamil Nadu. Does the honorable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, stand by this?” Mr. Stalin questioned, tagging the PM and adding, “We have not agreed to implement your plan (the three-language formula) … and no one can force us…”

The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu then pressed for a clear response from Mr. Modi regarding Mr. Pradhan’s earlier claims that the central government would withhold funds for the state’s education sector unless it adhered to the three-language policy. Mr. Stalin dismissed this warning as “blackmail.”

“Just tell us if it’s possible to release funds belonging to Tamil Nadu students and the taxes collected from us!” he urged in a passionate post, reminding the BJP that his administration had “entirely rejected the National Education Policy.”

BJP, DMK Leaders Snipe

The exchanges were not limited to Mr. Pradhan and Mr. Stalin; former Tamil Nadu Governor and BJP leader Tamilisai Soundarajan accused the DMK of depriving students from disadvantaged backgrounds of the opportunity to learn a third language. “If children from wealthy families can study three languages, why should poor children be denied the same opportunity?” she inquired.

On the other hand, DMK’s Dayanidhi Maran and K Kanimozhi criticized the narrative claiming the party had reneged on its commitment to implement the new education policy.

“… DMK never agreed to NEP or the three-language policy… we have only stated that our students should not have to learn three languages while northern students learn just one. We do not oppose Hindi… if students wish to learn it, they can do so, but it should not be mandatory…” Mr. Maran explained.

‘Hindi Imposition’

The debate over ‘Hindi imposition’—a sensitive issue in southern India, particularly Tamil Nadu, where violent ‘anti-Hindi’ riots occurred in the 1960s—has resurfaced as the BJP promotes its new education policy.

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The DMK contends that Tamil Nadu has thrived with a two-language system (Tamil and English) and sees no necessity for a third language. The BJP argues that its formula will aid people traveling to other states.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV last month, Mr. Pradhan accused the Tamil Nadu government of perpetuating a “false narrative” and undermining students’ academic development for political reasons.

READ | “Minister Slams MK Stalin for ‘Creating Anti-Delhi Narrative’

Last week, Mr. Stalin and Union Home Minister Amit Shah exchanged barbs.

Mr. Shah claimed that the center had done more for Tamil speakers than the state party, citing a decision to permit candidates for the Central Armed Police Force entrance exam to write in their native language. “I urge the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to expedite the introduction of medical and engineering curricula in Tamil,” he stated.

However, it is notable that the center authorized the CAPF exams to be conducted in 13 regional languages in 2023, just days after Mr. Stalin protested the decision to hold it solely in Hindi and English.

“This (‘Hindi imposition’) is akin to a kindergarten student lecturing a PhD holder…” he remarked.

“History is evident. Those who attempted to impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu have either faced defeat or eventually changed their positions to align with the DMK (the implicit reference being to the Congress, which was in power at the center during the anti-Hindi riots in the 1960s and is now a staunch ally). Tamil Nadu will not tolerate Hindi colonialism replacing British colonialism,” the Chief Minister concluded.

With contributions from agencies

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