Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on March 3, 2025, reiterated that the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) would never allow the imposition of Hindi in Tamil Nadu, even if it meant losing power, facing imprisonment, or making sacrifices. He emphasized that the party’s stance on the issue has remained unchanged over the years.
Refuting claims that Hindi is India’s national language and Sanskrit is the country’s ancient language, Stalin called such assertions baseless. He stressed that Tamils do not harbor hatred toward any language, but the entire state strongly opposes the imposition of Hindi under the guise of the three-language policy.
Criticism of BJP and Governor R.N. Ravi
Stalin accused the BJP and its allies of betraying Tamil Nadu’s interests by pushing for Hindi imposition. He also criticized Governor R.N. Ravi, asserting that his views on language policy were neither new nor worth taking seriously.
Responding to Ravi’s claim that Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy deprived students of learning an additional South Indian language, Stalin questioned how many BJP-ruled states were teaching additional North Indian languages. He argued that neither the Governor nor those backing him had an answer to this contradiction.
Two-Language Policy and Employment Concerns
Referring to social media reactions to his statement that Hindi had overshadowed many North Indian languages, Stalin defended Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy, which was introduced by former Chief Minister C.N. Annadurai. He pointed out that Tamil youth have secured prestigious positions globally due to this policy, and rejected the notion that Hindi would create better job opportunities for them in North India. Instead, he highlighted how North Indian workers are migrating to Tamil Nadu for employment, countering the argument that Hindi is essential for job prospects.
Allegations Against Governor R.N. Ravi
Stalin accused Governor Ravi of failing to respect Tamil, the oldest South Indian language, despite his claims of concern for linguistic diversity. He criticized the Governor for insulting Tamil traditions, including the Tamil invocation and revered poet-saint Thiruvalluvar. He also noted that the Governor’s salary is funded by Tamil taxpayers, implying that he should be more considerate of their linguistic and cultural sentiments.
Stalin’s strong statement reaffirms the DMK’s long-standing opposition to Hindi imposition in Tamil Nadu. As the debate over language policy continues, his remarks signal the party’s unwavering commitment to protecting Tamil identity and linguistic rights.
