Chennai- The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has pushed back against Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan’s recent comments on the ongoing language debate, accusing him of misunderstanding Tamil Nadu’s stance on linguistic policies.
DMK spokesperson Dr. Syed Hafeezullah dismissed Kalyan’s claims as a “hollow understanding” of Tamil Nadu’s position. “Tamil Nadu has never opposed individuals learning Hindi or any other language. What we oppose is its imposition on the people of our state,” Hafeezullah said.
Kalyan, actor-turned-politician and Janasena Party founder, had questioned why Tamil Nadu politicians resist Hindi imposition while allowing Tamil films to be dubbed into Hindi for commercial gain. His remarks sparked fresh controversy amid ongoing debates over the National Education Policy (NEP) and the Centre’s push for Hindi promotion.
In response, senior DMK leader TKS Elangovan reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s long-standing two-language policy. “We have opposed Hindi imposition since 1938. Tamil Nadu follows the two-language formula based on educational experts’ advice, not actors’ opinions. Pawan Kalyan is trying to support the BJP for personal gain,” he stated.
The BJP has backed Kalyan’s remarks, asserting that Hindi, as India’s national language, should be promoted more aggressively in southern states. BJP leader Vikram Randhawa stated, “Hindi is our national language, and the government is ensuring it reaches the masses.”
The DMK maintains that learning Hindi should be a voluntary choice, rejecting any policy that mandates its imposition. The language debate continues to be a flashpoint in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, reflecting broader concerns about cultural identity and federal autonomy.
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