Lagatar24 Desk
New Delhi: The ongoing dispute between the Centre and Tamil Nadu over the National Education Policy (NEP) and its three-language formula erupted into a fierce debate inside and outside Parliament on Monday. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) of “ruining the future of Tamil Nadu students,” triggering a strong backlash from Chief Minister MK Stalin, who called the minister “arrogant” and asked him to “mind his words.”
During a fiery speech in the Lok Sabha, Pradhan alleged that the DMK was misleading the public for political gain and obstructing students’ progress by opposing the three-language policy. The remarks led to an uproar in Parliament, with DMK leaders filing a privilege motion against him.
DMK Hits Back, Stalin Warns BJP
Reacting strongly, Chief Minister MK Stalin accused the Union government of attempting to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu. “The Union Education Minister, who thinks of himself as a king, is speaking arrogantly. He needs to be disciplined!” Stalin wrote on X. He further demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi clarify whether Tamil Nadu’s education funds would be withheld if the state refused to implement the three-language policy.
“We have rejected NEP entirely, and no one can force us. Let the Prime Minister answer whether the Centre can withhold funds collected from Tamil Nadu’s taxpayers,” Stalin added.
BJP, DMK Leaders Exchange Barbs
BJP leader Tamilisai Soundararajan accused the DMK of depriving students from economically weaker backgrounds of learning an additional language, saying, “Why should only affluent children get the opportunity to study three languages?”
Meanwhile, DMK MPs Dayanidhi Maran and K Kanimozhi reiterated that Tamil Nadu never agreed to NEP. “We are not against Hindi, but it should not be imposed. Tamil Nadu has flourished with a two-language system (Tamil and English) and does not need a third language,” Maran stated.
The ‘Hindi Imposition’ Debate
Tamil Nadu has a history of strong opposition to the imposition of Hindi, with violent protests dating back to the 1960s. The state government argues that the existing two-language formula is sufficient, while the BJP claims the three-language policy will benefit students traveling to other states.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah recently claimed that the Centre had done more for Tamil speakers than the DMK, citing the approval of CAPF exams in regional languages. However, Stalin dismissed this claim, stating, “Those who tried to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu have either been defeated or later changed their stance and aligned with the DMK. Tamil Nadu will not tolerate Hindi colonialism replacing British colonialism.”
