Lagatar24 Desk
Hyderabad: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has strongly responded to Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan after he questioned the state’s opposition to Hindi imposition while allowing Tamil films to be dubbed into Hindi for commercial gains.
DMK Slams Pawan Kalyan’s Argument
DMK spokesperson Dr. Syed Hafeezullah dismissed Pawan Kalyan’s statement, calling it a “hollow understanding”of Tamil Nadu’s stance on linguistic policies.
“Tamil Nadu has never opposed individuals learning Hindi or any other language. What we oppose is the imposition of Hindi or any language on the people of our state,” Hafeezullah said.
The DMK insists that equating language policy with business decisions—such as dubbing Tamil movies into Hindi—is an oversimplification that ignores the historical and cultural context of the state’s linguistic stand.
Pawan Kalyan’s Criticism of Tamil Nadu’s Language Policy
Pawan Kalyan, the founder of the Janasena Party and a key NDA ally, criticized Tamil Nadu politicians for their opposition to Hindi while continuing to dub Tamil films into Hindi to reach a national audience.
“I do not understand why some criticize Sanskrit. Why do Tamil Nadu politicians oppose Hindi while allowing their movies to be dubbed in Hindi for financial gain? They want labor from Bihar but are opposing Hindi. What kind of logic is that?” Kalyan asked.
DMK’s Counterattack
The DMK rejected Kalyan’s argument, pointing out that Hindi Prachar Sabhas already exist in Tamil Nadu, where those interested in learning Hindi can do so voluntarily.
“If people want to learn Hindi, they are welcome to do so. The issue arises when the Central government mandates Hindi learning through policies like the National Education Policy (NEP) or PM SHRI schools,” Hafeezullah clarified.
Senior DMK leader TKS Elangovan also hit back, reminding Kalyan that Tamil Nadu’s opposition to Hindi imposition dates back to 1938.
“We have been opposing Hindi since 1938. Tamil Nadu follows the two-language formula because experts in education—not actors—suggested it. The bill was passed in 1968, long before Pawan Kalyan was even born. He doesn’t understand Tamil Nadu’s politics,” Elangovan said.
Prakash Raj, BJP Join the Debate
Actor-politician Prakash Raj also joined the criticism against Pawan Kalyan, taking to social media to state:
“Someone please tell Pawan Kalyan that asking you not to impose your language on us is not hatred for the language, but it is to protect our mother tongue, our self-respect, and our identity.”
Meanwhile, the BJP backed Pawan Kalyan, insisting that Hindi, as the national language, should be promoted in the South.
“Hindi is our national language, and the government is working to ensure it reaches the masses. Unfortunately, previous governments have tried to suppress the culture of nationalism. The use of Hindi should be implemented strongly in the South as well,” BJP leader Vikram Randhawa said.
