“India Needs Multiple Languages, Not Just Two”: Pawan Kalyan Amid Language Row

Kakinada- Amid the ongoing language dispute between the Union government and Tamil Nadu, Janasena Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday underscored the importance of preserving India’s linguistic diversity. He asserted that the nation needs “multiple languages, including Tamil, not just two.”

Addressing party workers at an event in Kakinada district, Kalyan stated, “India needs multiple languages, including Tamil, not just two. We must embrace linguistic diversity—not only to maintain the integrity of our nation but also to foster love and unity among its people.”

His remarks came during the Janasena Party’s 12th foundation day celebration in Pithapuram town. The statement follows Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin’s criticism of the Union government over alleged ‘Hindi imposition’ and his rejection of the National Education Policy (NEP)’s three-language formula.

Taking a veiled swipe at the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Kalyan accused Tamil Nadu politicians of hypocrisy, pointing out their opposition to Hindi while benefiting financially from Tamil films dubbed into the language. “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 money from Bollywood but refuse to accept Hindi—what kind of logic is that?” he questioned.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai reiterated the party’s position on the three-language policy, asserting that while the people of the state oppose mandatory language imposition, they are open to voluntary learning. “More than 14 lakh people have signed in the signature language. People of Tamil Nadu don’t want a compulsory third language imposed on them, like Hindi—which Congress did in 1965,” Annamalai told ANI.

He further alleged double standards by the DMK, stating that while private schools run by DMK leaders teach Hindi, government schools do not. “People willingly want to learn a third language, which is optional. Tamil Nadu is ready; only the DMK is not. All the private schools run by the DMK teach a third language. Why do they not want government school students to learn a third language?” he questioned.