'Nothing But Political Opportunism': BJP Slams Stalin Over Language Row

Last Updated:February 26, 2025, 11:38 IST

Malviya questioned how Stalin could oppose the inclusion of languages like Hindi, Kannada & Telugu in the NEP while simultaneously advocating for Urdu in Tamil Nadu schools

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin. (PTI file photo)

BJP IT cell head Amit Malviya on Wednesday accused Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin of “hypocrisy" over his stance on the Centre’s Education Policy (NEP), calling it “nothing but political opportunism" in response to Stalin’s opposition.

Malviya’s remarks came amid the Stalin-led DMK’s continued opposition to the NEP’s proposed three-language formula, which has sparked controversy across the state.

In a post on the social media platform X, Malviya wrote: “The glaring hypocrisy of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin on language policy! His opposition to the three-language formula prescribed in the Education Policy is nothing but political opportunism."

The BJP leader also brought up the DMK’s 2015 Namakku Naame campaign, where Stalin had promised the Muslim community that Urdu would be made compulsory in Tamil Nadu schools if the party came to power. “He even promised to enact a law to enforce this!" he pointed out.

Malviya questioned how Stalin could oppose the inclusion of languages like Hindi, Kannada, and Telugu in the NEP while simultaneously advocating for Urdu in Tamil Nadu schools.

“If the DMK is determined to undermine Indian languages—including Malayalam, Kannada, Telugu, and Hindi—how is the imposition of Urdu acceptable? Young students in Tamil Nadu, who seek greater opportunities, deserve an answer," he added.

On Tuesday, Stalin heightened the ongoing debate, claiming that Tamil Nadu was prepared for “another language war" if the imposition of Hindi continued. The DMK has repeatedly stated that the state will adhere to its two-language policy, which includes only Tamil and English, rejecting any suggestion of Hindi being introduced as a medium of instruction.

The tension between the ruling DMK and the BJP-led central government has been building, with accusations from the DMK that the central government is attempting to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu through the NEP, a charge that the BJP has denied.

ALSO READ: ‘Not Imposing Hindi’: Annamalai Ups Ante Against DMK, Announces BJP’s NEP Campaign In Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu, India, India

News politics 'Nothing But Political Opportunism': BJP Slams Stalin Over Language Row