Centre Vs TN On 'Hindi Imposition': Dharmendra Pradhan Rejects Charge, Stalin Stands Firm On 2-Language Policy

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, in a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday, stated that while there is "no question of imposing any language," an "over-reliance on foreign languages" has restricted students' exposure to their linguistic heritage.

He asserted that the National Education Policy (NEP) seeks to address this issue.

Pradhan emphasised that the NEP "upholds the principle of linguistic freedom and ensures the students continue to learn in the language of their choice."

He also criticised Tamil Nadu's ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) for its "continued opposition to NEP 2020 for political reasons" and for viewing the policy "with a myopic vision and spinning progressive reforms into threats to sustain political narratives."

Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement in Chennai in May 2022 that "Tamil language is eternal," Pradhan wrote, "The Modi government is fully committed to promoting and popularising Tamil culture and language globally. I humbly appeal... do not politicise education..."

His letter is the latest development in the ongoing 'language war' between the southern state and the central government over the perceived 'imposition of Hindi'-a fresh point of contention in a longstanding and sensitive debate.

The exchange follows Stalin's appeal to Prime Minister Modi just a day earlier. The Tamil Nadu leader had raised concerns over Pradhan's alleged warning that the state must comply with the NEP's three-language formula or risk losing central education funds.

Pradhan dismissed Stalin's letter as one that "was not written in good taste," was "full of political motivation," and contained "imaginary concerns."

Meanwhile, Stalin urged Modi to release ₹2,154 crore in educational funds for 2024-25 in the spirit of "cooperative federalism" and for the "welfare" of students.

On Sunday, Stalin accused Pradhan of attempting to "blackmail" Tamil Nadu into accepting 'Hindi imposition' by withholding funds, reaffirming that his government would not abandon the two-language system, which has been in place in state-run schools since 1967, in favour of the NEP's three-language policy.

'Ready For Language War'

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Chief Minister's son, was equally defiant on Wednesday, declaring that Tamil Nadu is prepared for another 'language war.'

He also warned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), stating, "this is a Dravidian land... the land of Periyar," and added, "The last time you tried to take away the rights of the Tamil people, they started 'GoBackModi'. If you try again... this time the voice will be 'Get out, Modi'... agitation will be done to send you back."

'Hindi Imposition' in the South

Historically, Tamil Nadu and other southern states have viewed the central government with suspicion regarding attempts to impose Hindi over regional languages. This tension has previously led to riots in the 1930s and 1960s.

Tamil Nadu follows a two-language policy, with state-run schools primarily teaching Tamil and English. State Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi told NDTV that this system enables students to stay connected with their linguistic roots while also allowing them to engage globally through English.

"Since 1967 Tamil Nadu has had this two-language policy and Tamil and English is more than enough for us. We have already achieved a lot," he said, highlighting the state's success in producing high-achievers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics).

However, the 2020 Education Policy proposes a three-language model, which includes Hindi-an aspect the Tamil Nadu government has strongly opposed, arguing that it is an attempt to impose the language on the state.

BJP's Three-Language Campaign

Meanwhile, the BJP has intensified its push for the three-language formula in Tamil Nadu, which is set to hold Assembly elections next year. The party will launch a campaign on 1st March to promote its stance.

The BJP's efforts are seen as part of its broader attempt to establish a foothold in Tamil Nadu's political landscape, where it has traditionally struggled to gain support.

In the 2016 Assembly elections, the BJP contested all 234 seats but failed to win any. In 2021, it contested 20 and secured four. Its performance in Lok Sabha elections has been even weaker, failing to win any seats in both 2019 and 2024.

Ahead of the campaign and the 2026 elections, BJP Tamil Nadu chief K Annamalai criticised the DMK for clinging to an "outdated" policy from the 1960s.

"The world is developing rapidly. And what is the point of imposing your outdated policy of the 1960s on the children of Tamil Nadu?" he asked.