Particle.news

Download on the App Store

Language Policy Debate Intensifies Between Tamil Nadu Government and BJP

Tamil Nadu's DMK government rejects the three-language formula under the National Education Policy, accusing the BJP of Hindi imposition, while BJP defends the policy as promoting multilingualism.

Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin arrives to participate in an all-party meeting.
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin addresses a gathering during a public meeting, in Tiruvallur district of Tamil Nadu.
Representational image of Tamil Nadu BJP members, who walked out of the state assembly
Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman asked why didn’t the DMK protest back in 2010 when the rupee symbol was officially adopted under the Congress -led UPA government

Overview

  • Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has criticized the National Education Policy (NEP) as promoting Hindi and labeled it a threat to the state's education system.
  • The BJP has launched a signature campaign advocating for the three-language policy, with Tamil Nadu BJP Chief K Annamalai claiming it offers students more opportunities for language learning.
  • DMK leaders argue the three-language formula is a politically motivated imposition and reaffirm their commitment to the state's two-language policy of Tamil and English.
  • Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan denies accusations of Hindi imposition, emphasizing the NEP's flexibility for states to choose languages.
  • The controversy has extended to Tamil Nadu's replacement of the rupee symbol in its budget logo with a Tamil character, drawing sharp criticism from BJP leaders who accuse the DMK of regional chauvinism.