DMK Responds to Pawan Kalyan’s Comments

The ongoing dispute between the central government and the DMK government over Hindi and the three-language policy has once again come into focus. During the anniversary event of the Jana Sena Party yesterday, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan questioned the opposition to Hindi imposition in South India. He pointed out that while there are claims of Hindi being forced upon the southern states, Tamil films continue to be dubbed in Hindi. "You want money from states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, but you reject Hindi? How is that fair?" he asked. He also criticized the decision to incorporate Tamil in the design of the Indian Rupee symbol, questioning whether rationality and thought were being disregarded.

In response to Pawan Kalyan’s statements, DMK spokesperson Syed Hafizullah condemned his remarks, stating that the Jana Sena leader had misunderstood Tamil Nadu’s stance on language policy. He clarified that the state is not against individuals learning Hindi or any other language. "We already conduct Hindi promotional events for those interested," he said. However, he emphasized that the Tamil Nadu government opposes the central government's efforts to impose Hindi through policies such as the National Education Policy (NEP) and PM Shri Schools.

Another DMK leader, Ilangovan, also weighed in on the matter, stating that Tamil Nadu has been resisting the forced imposition of Hindi since 1938. He pointed out that the state assembly had already passed a law affirming its commitment to the two-language policy. "By the time that bill was passed, Pawan Kalyan hadn’t even been born," he remarked, suggesting that the actor-turned-politician might lack awareness of Tamil Nadu’s political history.

Meanwhile, leaders from the Tamil Nadu BJP have welcomed Pawan Kalyan’s comments, supporting his stance on the issue.