Union Home Minister Amit Shah strongly criticized the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu, dismissing their allegations of Hindi imposition as “baseless.” He accused the DMK of using the anti-Hindi protests as a distraction to cover up corruption within the state government. Shah asserted that the Bharatiya Janata Party is committed to promoting regional languages and would introduce medical and engineering courses in Tamil in Tamil Nadu if voted to power.
Efforts to Promote Regional Languages
Addressing concerns over Hindi dominance, Shah emphasized that the Narendra Modi–led government has taken significant steps to support Indian languages. For the first time, a dedicated section has been established to promote Indian languages, ensuring that government correspondence, including communication with public representatives and chief ministers, takes place in local languages.
“This is a strong rebuttal to those who attempt to divide the nation in the name of language. Every Indian language is a jewel of our culture. Can they claim that we oppose any South Indian language? I come from Gujarat, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman hails from Tamil Nadu,” Shah remarked.
Challenges in Implementing Regional Language Education
Shah highlighted the central government’s efforts to translate medical and engineering curricula into regional languages, including Tamil. However, he alleged that the Tamil Nadu government had not taken the necessary steps to facilitate these translations. “For the past two years, we have been requesting the Tamil Nadu government to translate engineering and medical courses into Tamil. However, they lack the courage to do so because their financial interests are tied to other agendas,” he claimed.
Shah further assured that if the BJP comes to power in Tamil Nadu, the party will ensure that higher education in professional courses is available in Tamil. He criticized the DMK for allegedly misleading the public by fueling language-based disputes instead of focusing on the state’s development.
Allegations Against DMK and the Language Divide
According to Shah, DMK leaders have been “spreading poison” by politicizing the language issue. He pointed out the irony in the preference for English over Hindi among certain political factions, questioning why some leaders endorse a foreign language while rejecting another Indian language. “You favor a language that originated thousands of kilometers away, but you oppose an Indian language. Such divisive tactics will not work. Instead of debating language issues, you should discuss development,” Shah asserted.
He further accused the DMK of using the language debate as a smokescreen to divert public attention from governance failures and corruption allegations. “You are trying to conceal your wrongdoings and corruption by creating a controversy over language. However, we will expose you. We will go to every village and inform the people about your misdeeds,” he warned.
DMK’s Accusations and the Ongoing Language Debate
Earlier in the day, DMK Members of Parliament MPs raised concerns over what they called an attempt by the central government to impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu. The issue has escalated, particularly in the context of the three-language formula outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP).
Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) leader Vaiko accused the Union Home Ministry of “victimizing” Tamil Nadu, citing alleged disparities in the allocation of disaster relief funds. Other DMK MPs also voiced concerns about the central government’s policies, insisting that Tamil Nadu’s linguistic identity must be protected.
The clash between the BJP-led central government and the DMK government in Tamil Nadu reflects a broader national debate on language policies. While the Centre insists on the equal promotion of all Indian languages, opposition parties in Tamil Nadu argue that the imposition of Hindi threatens non-Hindi-speaking states’ linguistic and cultural autonomy.
With a passion for news writing and a deep interest in Journalism, Bowrna wants to write articles that create an impact. Not only writing, she also has a passion for voiceovers and also aspires to become a Radio Jockey in the future. When not writing, she likes to listen to songs and dance to her heart's content. She is proficient in English, Tamil and Hindi.
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