Amit Shah and MK Stalin clash over Hindi imposition, NEP

In a recent address, Union Home Minister Amit Shah responded to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s criticism of the central government's “Hindi imposition” and its approach towards the delimitation exercise.

Speaking at the 56th Raising Day of the CISF in Ranipet, Shah highlighted the Modi government’s initiative allowing CISF aspirants to write exams in their regional languages, including Tamil.

He called on CM Stalin to introduce engineering and medical education in Tamil, praising Tamil Nadu’s contribution to India’s cultural and educational landscape.

As Tamil Nadu gears up for assembly elections next year, Stalin has intensified his criticism of the BJP, describing the three-language policy in the National Education Policy (NEP) as unpopular in the state.

He argued that past efforts to enforce Hindi faced resistance and political realignments, asserting that Tamil Nadu would stand against what he termed "Hindi colonialism."

Stalin has also been vocal against Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s stance on the three-language formula.

Pradhan reassured that the NEP doesn’t impose Hindi but focuses on mother-tongue education, including Tamil in Tamil Nadu, suggesting political motives behind the state’s opposition.

The BJP-led central government had earlier withheld Rs 2,152 crore under the Samagra Shiksha scheme, pending Tamil Nadu's adoption of the NEP. Stalin’s response framed this as an affront to the Tamil language, a sensitive topic given the state's historical aversion to Hindi imposition.

The CM’s request for the release of funds came amid ongoing controversies over the NEP, perceived as an attempt to undermine regional languages.

Tamil Nadu’s historical resistance to Hindi, tied to its Dravidian roots, has been reignited with its rejection of the NEP and criticisms over NEET.

The DMK government has consistently opposed NEET, citing various discrepancies and has requested the central government to revoke the exam while seeking an exemption for the state.

With these tensions and the election on the horizon, the interaction between the state and central government continues to underscore longstanding cultural and linguistic friction.