Stalin responded to critics by explaining that multiple languages on currency notes reflect linguistic equality, while opposition to Hindi signage in government offices and railway stations was due to language imposition
Published Mar 03, 2025 | 8:22 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 03, 2025 | 8:22 PM
Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin. (X)
Synopsis: Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin criticised the state’s Governor for claiming Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy hinders youth from learning South Indian languages. Stalin dismissed the Governor’s concerns as insincere, likening them to a wolf crying over a wet goat. He questioned why North Indian states, particularly BJP-ruled ones, don’t teach South Indian languages, challenging the Governor’s stance.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin took to X to criticise the state’s Governor for claiming that Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy hinders youth from learning South Indian languages.
Stalin likened the Governor’s concerns to the story of a wolf crying over a goat getting wet, suggesting the Governor’s stance was insincere.
Stalin questioned why North Indian states, particularly those governed by the BJP and its allies, don’t teach South Indian languages in schools.
He stated the Governor would have no answer to this question, nor would those who prompted his remarks.
Some guardians of lopsided policies, wailing in great concern, ask, “Why are you denying Tamil Nadu students the opportunity to learn a third language?”
Well, why don’t they first say which third language is being taught up north? If they had just taught two languages properly… pic.twitter.com/LZGwxYXrsa
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 3, 2025
Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi spoke out on the state’s language policy, criticising the “rigid” two-language policy for limiting opportunities for youth in the southern regions. He also called for the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Ravi, in a social media post about his visit to Tuticorin and Tirunelveli, highlighted discussions with various sectors, including education. He expressed concern that students in these regions were denied the opportunity to learn other South Indian languages “in the name of opposition to Hindi.”
“Our youth must have the choice to study languages,” Ravi emphasised.
Interacted with large number of leaders from cross sections of south Tamil Nadu including education, business, health, hospitality, youth startups, women entrepreneurs, MSME sectors. Also students from several institutions. It was encouraging to see their positive energy and… pic.twitter.com/pMBUvXR2I2
— RAJ BHAVAN, TAMIL NADU (@rajbhavan_tn) February 28, 2025
The Chief Minister accused the Governor of hypocrisy, referencing his disrespect for Tamil culture and language.
Stalin reminded the public of the Governor’s past actions, including disrespecting the Tamil Thai Vazhthu (Tamil Nadu’s state anthem) and attempting to distort the name ‘Tamil Nadu.’
Stalin also condemned the Governor’s politicisation of Tamil culture, particularly when he painted Thirukkural and its revered author, Thiruvalluvar, in saffron, triggering backlash from Tamils across the state.
Stalin drew a parallel with the DMK’s historic opposition to the imposition of Hindi in the 1980s, when party cadres, under the leadership of M Karunanidhi, led protests against the forced use of Hindi. Stalin recalled how DMK youth erased Hindi inscriptions at railway stations, post offices, and government offices as a form of protest.
The Chief Minister also responded to critics who questioned why the DMK opposed Hindi inscriptions but didn’t act against Hindi on rupee notes.
Stalin explained that the inclusion of multiple languages, including Tamil, on currency notes reflects linguistic equality, whereas Hindi signage in central government offices and railway stations was an imposition of language.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
