DMK-BJP Clash Escalates Over Three-Language Policy, Udhayanidhi Warns of ‘Language War’

GG News Bureau
Chennai, 19th Feb. The political clash between Tamil Nadu’s ruling DMK and the BJP over the Centre’s three-language policy intensified on Tuesday after Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin declared that “states that accept Hindi lose their mother tongue” and asserted Tamil Nadu is prepared for a “language war.”

Udhayanidhi’s remarks come amid a dispute over Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s statement that Tamil Nadu would not receive ₹2,400 crore under the Samagra Siksha scheme unless it adopts the National Education Policy (NEP) in full. The DMK has strongly opposed the policy, citing Tamil Nadu’s long-standing two-language system—Tamil and English—and past anti-Hindi agitations.

“We are only asking for our rightful share of funds. Dharmendra Pradhan openly threatened us, but we are not begging,” Udhayanidhi said at a DMK-led protest in Chennai. “If the BJP tries to threaten us, they will get a fitting reply from the people of Tamil Nadu.”

He further invoked Tamil Nadu’s Dravidian heritage, warning the BJP of potential backlash similar to the “Go Back Modi” protests, which he claimed could escalate to “Get Out Modi” this time.

The three-language policy has long been a contentious issue, particularly in southern states, and tensions have escalated with the NEP’s provision mandating Hindi as one of the three languages. Responding to Tamil Nadu’s opposition, BJP leaders, including state chief K Annamalai, have criticized the DMK for sticking to what they call an “outdated” 1960s policy.

As the BJP gears up to launch a statewide campaign in favor of the three-language system from March 1, the controversy is expected to play a significant role in shaping the political discourse ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.