Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has reignited the long-standing language dispute by warning of a potential “language war” over the National Education Policy (NEP) and its promotion of Hindi. In a recent statement, Stalin confirmed that Tamil Nadu is prepared to oppose the NEP’s push for Hindi, calling it an imposition that threatens the Tamil language and cultural identity.
Stalin voiced his concerns about the NEP, claiming that it could force students to learn Hindi, placing unnecessary pressure on those from Tamil-speaking backgrounds. He stressed that accepting the policy would harm Tamil society and culture, pointing out that the state cannot allow the forced promotion of Hindi at the cost of its regional languages.
In addition to this, Stalin announced plans for an all-party meeting on March 5, where the matter of Hindi imposition would be discussed further. He also expressed his worries about the reduction of Tamil Nadu’s representation in Parliament, which could occur due to the successful implementation of family planning policies in the state. Stalin argued that Tamil Nadu’s effective family planning approach might result in fewer seats, which he sees as unfair.
Stalin’s remarks have sparked a new wave of debate within Tamil Nadu, where language politics has always been a sensitive topic. While opposition leaders, particularly from the BJP, have accused Stalin of using the language issue as a political tool, the Chief Minister has firmly stood by his position, calling for a united front to protect Tamil and regional rights.
The ongoing controversy underscores the delicate balance between promoting national unity through a common language and respecting the linguistic diversity that defines India’s cultural richness.
