DMK’s Udhayanidhi Stalin Clarifies Tamil Nadu’s Stance on Hindi: Opposition to Imposition, Not Language Itself
· India · India Today, The Hindu
Tamil Nadu’s Leader of Opposition, Udhayanidhi Stalin, clarified that the state’s opposition is not to Hindi but to its imposition, stating, ‘We are not against any language, including Hindi.’ His remarks follow the Supreme Court’s directive to Tamil Nadu to reconsider its opposition to Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, which require Hindi. Stalin argued that Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy—introduced during former CM CN Annadurai’s tenure—reflects the state’s linguistic identity and does not challenge national unity. He also accused the Centre of withholding ₹3,548 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme due to Tamil Nadu’s refusal to adopt the three-language policy. Stalin called for a special Assembly session to pass a resolution against Navodaya Vidyalayas in the state, citing existing schools for disadvantaged students. The Supreme Court bench hearing the case urged Tamil Nadu to reconsider its stance on Hindi’s inclusion.
Why it matters
The dispute over Hindi’s role in Tamil Nadu’s education system highlights tensions between linguistic autonomy and national policy, potentially affecting state-funded education and federal-state relations. The ₹3,548 crore funding row further escalates financial and political friction between the Centre and the state.
Read the original report — India Today
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