Chennai: Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has turned the eve of his 72nd birthday celebration on March 1, 2025, not just to mark another year, but to sound the alarm against the imposition of Hindi and the proposed delimitation of Lok Sabha seats. During the 'Thalapathy 72' event, Stalin urged all political factions within Tamil Nadu to come together, including the state’s BJP faction, to combat these perceived threats to local identity and rights.
“Prime Minister, please don’t impose Hindi. We are good with Tamil and English. Tamil Nadu has flourished because of the two-language policy. If needed, we will learn any language, even Greek and Latin,” remarked Stalin, insisting on the importance of protecting the Tamil language.
Stalin did not hold back his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, accusing him of not providing the necessary assurance—like the one former Prime Minister A.B. Vajpayee gave—that the delimitation process would not be based on current population metrics. This shift, he contended, would undermine Tamil Nadu’s representation and growth. “We must fight this battle for the future of our children,” he declared, emphasizing the dire consequences of failing to resist such governmental moves.
Central to the discourse was the National Education Policy (NEP), which Stalin criticized as being coercively tied to financial support. He accused the Union government of employing financial intimidation to force Tamil Nadu's compliance with the three-language policy embedded within the NEP. “They felt it was because of education we stand at the top. So, they wish to arrest our growth by introducing the NEP,” Stalin stated, asserting the Patrick Pradhan's misguided strategy of withholding funds as part of this coercion.
He provocatively questioned, “Which rule says the NEP is a must? Does the Constitution affirm such policies on states?” Continuing, he pointed out Modi's negligence, stating, “Is this appropriate for a Prime Minister?” He argued against surrendering Tamil Nadu’s identity and rights, launching a significant appeal for unity among opposition parties to collectively challenge these central policies.
Stalin took pride in articulately addressing and contending with concerns about Hindi being imposed over Tamil. He noted, “Hindi is merely a mask, with Sanskrit being the hidden agenda behind language imposition.” He warned of the cultural erosion as he claimed, “Over 25 North Indian native languages have disappeared due to Hindi-Sanskrit hegemony.”
The Chief Minister’s engagement did not stop there; he highlighted the urgent nature of the delimitation exercise. “Delimitation should not proceed based on current population as it would punish states like Tamil Nadu, who have successfully implemented population control measures,” he reiterated. This perspective seems to resonate not only within Tamil political circles but also aims to capture broader regional sentiment across southern states, hinting at coalition possibilities and solidarity.
Addressing the assembly allies, Stalin struck themes of camaraderie and continuity. He urged, “Tamil Nadu’s BJP must stand with our state,” aiming to consolidate any fractured alliances and encourage collective resistance against central government policies perceived as high-handed. “If we fail to unite against these imminent dangers, our self-respect and social justice initiatives will be jeopardized.”
He expressed satisfaction with AIADMK’s willingness to partake in the upcoming all-party meeting set for March 5, underscoring the urgency of political solidarity within the state. “Those avoiding the meeting only serve to harm the interests of Tamil Nadu,” he warned, advocating for the gathering as pivotal to discuss and strategize against the NEP and delimitation.
Stalin's statements resonate with many Tamil Nadu residents, as this undercurrent of anti-Hindi sentiment coupled with the southern state's historical struggles for linguistic identity intensifies discussions leading toward the 2026 assembly elections. Highlighting the characteristics of the DMK-led alliance to have consistently triumphed since the 2019 elections, he proudly stated, “This is why the rulers of India fear DMK when it initiates struggle.”
His remarks culminated with his pressing thoughts about Hindi imposition, insisting, “Hindi is primarily spoken only in some states, whereas Tamil Nadu and many others have our identities and languages which deserve equal affirmation.”
Stalin’s forthright advocacy and calls for resistance to perceived central injustices reflect deep-rooted sentiments among Tamils, as interactions over language policy and electoral representation continue to electrify Tamil Nadu’s political atmosphere.
These discussions around language, identity, and fair representation are set to intensify, as Tamil Nadu gears up for not only local politicking but also broader ramifications on regional politics, as leaders and citizens alike contend with their identities within the Indian Union.