Chennai, February 28, 2025 — Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has called for a collective vow among his party cadre to fiercely protect the Tamil language and the state's rights amid rising concerns about the imposition of Hindi and potential adverse impacts from parliamentary delimitation. On the eve of his 72nd birthday, Stalin emphasized the urgency to educate the populace about these pressing issues, which he said threaten both cultural identity and political representation.
Speaking to the DMK's cadre, Stalin underscored, "We are determined to follow the two-language policy of Anna [former CM C.N. Annadurai] in Tamil Nadu. But our enemies are saying times have changed and we would impose Hindi... We won’t allow Hindi and Sanskrit to dominate Tamil, a classical language..." This statement reflects his long-standing commitment to preserving Tamil and strengthening the language's standing against perceived encroachments.
The CM was particularly vocal about the delimitation issue, which, he argues, risks diminishing Tamil Nadu's parliamentary representation. He clarified, “Such acts would amount to penalizing the southern states. We will not allow any change to our current representation basis.” This call for action aligns with the DMK's historical role as a champion for Tamil rights, reinforcing their narrative of self-respect and social justice.
Stalin also highlighted support for Tamil Nadu’s stance from neighboring states such as Karnataka, Punjab, and Telangana. He voiced criticism toward the central government, asserting, “Though the Union Government denies imposing Hindi, it is doing everything possible to achieve its objectives.” His rhetoric seeks to unify the opposition against what he frames as linguistic oppression.
Adding fuel to the debate, Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai recently intensified his critique of Stalin's position on language policy. He shared a video featuring Minister Durai Murugan, who stressed the need for Members of Parliament to be proficient in Hindi or English. Annamalai pointed out the contradiction this poses within the DMK's language policy. He remarked, "Stalin's attempts to deflect the state’s misgovernance by blaming a non-existent Hindi imposition haven’t fooled anyone except his few loyal followers."
Durai Murugan's statements elicited sarcastic commentary from Annamalai, who challenged Stalin’s claims by saying, "If private school students can learn third languages, why can’t those from government schools?" This highlights the perceived inequity within the educational frameworks pertaining to language learning. The statement, "One who knows how to speak goes to the Assembly or Parliament... If you don’t know either... then you might as well just look around and ask vague questions," encapsulates the ludicrousness of the situation, as Murugan amusingly illustrated the political reality for Tamil Nadu MPs.
Further deepening the discourse, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan joined the fray, meeting with Stalin to discuss the issue. During the eighth foundation day of his party, Makkal Needhi Maiyam (MNM), Haasan voiced the importance of linguistic pride and emphasized historical struggles endured by Tamilians for their language. He stated poignantly, "Tamilians have lost their lives for a language. Don’t play with those things. Tamilians, even children, know what language they need." His impassioned plea calls for solidarity and awareness of the linguistic autonomy struggle.
Haasan warned of the necessity for vigilance against any attempts to dilute Tamil language rights, cautioning against apathy toward such historically significant issues. He admitted to the challenges of entering politics later than ideal but expressed determination to amplify his party’s voice leading up to the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, urging supporters to engage actively.
The conflict surrounding Hindi imposition was characterized by Stalin as part of a larger conspiracy against Tamil cultural identity. He remarked, “Imposing Hindi is not merely about language; it’s about cultural invasion and Sanskritization of Tamil.” Through historical references, Stalin called upon the DMK's legacy of opposing Hindi imposition since the 1930s, asserting the party’s unwavering role as the protector of Tamil rights.
Stalin’s closing remarks extended to the relevance of modern technology, arguing against unnecessary language burdens on students. With the advent of advanced AI technologies, he suggested, there is no longer justification for forcing any third language upon students. He stated, “Students should focus on their mother tongue and English, gaining expertise for the future—true progress lies not in linguistic imposition but innovation.”
With the Tamil Nadu assembly elections looming, the debate over Hindi imposition is set to remain central to discussions about identity, rights, and language policy. The passionate rhetoric from leaders like Stalin, Annamalai, and Haasan indicates the heightened stakes and conviction around the preservation of Tamil pride amid the broader national dialogue.