Chennai: The ongoing language dispute between the BJP-led central government and the DMK government in Tamil Nadu intensified on Friday, as Chief Minister MK Stalin vowed to resist Hindi imposition and reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy. Speaking at a public event in Cuddalore district, Stalin warned the Centre against provoking Tamil sentiments, declaring, “As long as I and the DMK exist, no activities against Tamil, Tamil Nadu, and its people will be allowed to set foot in the state.”

The conflict erupted after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accused the Tamil Nadu government of playing politics over education reforms. Responding to Stalin’s letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pradhan stated that Tamil Nadu’s opposition to NEP 2020 was a "myopic view" that deprived students of better opportunities. He also clarified that the three-language formula does not mandate Hindi imposition and urged Tamil Nadu to embrace progressive educational reforms.

Stalin, however, dismissed Pradhan’s remarks, calling the Centre’s linking of education funds to NEP acceptance "political blackmail." He accused the BJP government of "converting a multilingual nation into a single-language country" and asked, “Who is doing politics in education—you or us?” He further warned, “Don’t throw stones at a beehive. Don’t test the fighting spirit of Tamilians.”

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin echoed his father’s stance, reaffirming that the state would never accept the three-language policy. He criticized the Centre for allegedly withholding Tamil Nadu’s share of education funds—a demand of ₹2,152 crore—to pressure the state into adopting NEP 2020. “We are asking for our rightful share, not a favour. Tamil Nadu has always opposed the three-language policy and will continue to do so,” he asserted.

Meanwhile, the BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit launched an online "GetOutStalin" campaign, spearheaded by state BJP chief K. Annamalai, targeting the DMK government over issues ranging from law and order to education policy. Annamalai also proposed conducting a survey among Tamil Nadu students on their language preferences and urged DMK to “stop politicizing education”.

(With agency inputs)