Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin intensified his criticism of the central government’s language policies, claiming that the forced adoption of Hindi has led to the decline of numerous native North Indian languages over the past century. He accused the BJP of promoting a ‘monolithic Hindi identity’ while sidelining languages like Tamil, which he argued is not adequately supported in education. Stalin indicated Tamil Nadu’s readiness for a ‘language war’ against the center’s National Education Policy, which he believes prioritizes Sanskrit over Tamil. The BJP dismissed his remarks, asserting that there has been no imposition of languages in states.
Chennai:
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin intensified pressure on the central government regarding the ‘Hindi imposition’ controversy on Thursday, asserting that the enforced adoption of Hindi in various states has “annihilated 25 native north Indian languages over the last century”. The ruling BJP quickly countered this assertion, labeling it as “absurd”.
“The pursuit of a ‘uniform Hindi identity’ is detrimental to ancient languages. Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have never been ‘Hindi heartlands’… their authentic languages are now mere remnants of history,” Mr. Stalin stated.
In a post on X Thursday morning, he criticized the central government – which had responded to the ‘Hindi imposition’ critique by accusing Tamil political leaders of distorting facts to create a favorable political atmosphere ahead of the 2026 elections – for “assaulting languages to erode race and culture”.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam leader detailed some objections his party has concerning the ‘imposition’ of Hindi, including a claim that the central government – despite stating that students in any state can learn any language – does not actually offer Tamil as a subject.
He further claimed that under the new National Education Policy’s contentious three-language rule, most states prioritize Sanskrit, which mandates students across both central and state-administered school boards to learn their mother tongue, English, and a third language of their choosing.
My dear sisters and brothers from other states,
Have you ever wondered how many Indian languages have been absorbed by Hindi? Bhojpuri, Maithili, Awadhi, Braj, Bundeli, Garhwali, Kumaoni, Magahi, Marwari, Malvi, Chhattisgarhi, Santhali, Angika, Ho, Kharia, Khortha, Kurmali, Kurukh, Mundari, and… pic.twitter.com/VhkWtCDHV9
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) February 27, 2025
“Tamil is not taught anywhere except in the Andaman Islands. There are no Tamil language educators in the Kendriya Vidyalaya (KV) system, which is comprised of central government schools established under the Ministry of Education)…”
“The Union Education Minister stated that teachers will only be appointed if at least 15 students choose Tamil in the school,” Mr. Stalin added, “Sanskrit is prioritized under the three-language policy in most states… but Tamil is safeguarded by the Dravidian movement.”
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister also pointed out that in Rajasthan schools, Sanskrit teachers have replaced Urdu teachers. “… (Prime Minister Narendra) Modi should be questioned about how many boards for South Indian languages were showcased during the Maha Kumbh and Tamil Sangamam (in Varanasi) …”
“Hindi is not the mother tongue of Uttar Pradesh… UP has lost Bhojpuri, Bundelkhandi (or Bundeli). Uttarakhand has lost Kumaoni. Native languages have been lost in Rajasthan, Haryana, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh.”
Tamil Nadu vs Centre In ‘Language War’
Mr. Stalin’s pointed remarks emphasize the growing tension between Tamil Nadu, other southern states, and the central government regarding the three-language initiative in the National Education Policy.
Tamil Nadu – which has historically been wary of ‘Hindi imposition’ – has maintained a two-language policy since 1967, following violent riots sparked by efforts from the then-Congress-led central government to establish Hindi as the ‘official language’, leading to the party’s loss of power in the state.
This recent wave of protests escalated after Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan announced he would withhold Rs 2,400 crore in funds for Tamil Nadu if it did not fully adopt the new education policy.
Mr. Stalin and his son, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, retaliated strongly, accusing the central government of “blackmail” and warning that Tamil Nadu is prepared for another ‘language war’.
READ | “Tamil Nadu Ready For Language War”: Stalin Jr Amid Hindi Row
In an interview with NDTV, Mr. Pradhan countered by accusing them of fabricating a “false narrative” and stated that the state had, in fact, agreed to implement the new policy before reversing their decision for political motives.
READ | “No Question Of Imposing But…”: Education Minister In Hindi Row
“Nowhere in the NEP have we implied that any specific language will be imposed in any specific state… an unnecessary political stance has been adopted by the Tamil Nadu government.”
Tamil BJP Leader Quits, Joins Actor Vijay
Meanwhile, in a significant political shift this week, actor Ranjana Natchiyaar resigned from the BJP – after over eight years in the party – and joined fellow actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam.
READ | “Fight Among KG Students”: Actor Vijay On DMK-Centre Clash Over Hindi
Vijay, in turn, criticized both the DMK and the BJP, accusing them of having contrived the conflict over the National Education Policy and the three-language formula.
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