DMK Won’t Oppose Hindi if Not Imposed in Tamil Nadu, Says Stalin Amid Language Row

Tamil Nadu's Chief Minister and DMK president, M K Stalin, has clarified that the party will not oppose the Hindi, if it is not "imposed" on the state. He said that forcing Hindi on Tamils would be a violation of their self-respect. Stalin made these remarks in a letter to his party members, addressing the ongoing controversy surrounding the alleged imposition of Hindi in the state. He said self-respect was Tamils, unique nature.  

He said, "To those asking why the DMK still opposes Hindi, my simple response is that it is because you continue to impose it on us. We will not oppose it if you do not impose it. We will not obscure Hindi words in Tamil Nadu. Self-respect is the unique characteristic of Tamils, and we will not allow anyone, regardless of who they are, to play with it." 

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In his letter, Stalin referenced the anti-Hindi agitations in the state that took place between 1937 and 1939, highlighting the active involvement of various leaders, including EV Ramasamy 'Periyar'. 

Stalin Questions Tamil Inclusion in North India 

Some BJP leaders had argued that blackening Hindi names on railway station boards would affect North Indian passengers arriving in the state. Stalin responded, saying, "They should have shown such concern for Tamil." He also suggested that they ask Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, and Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan whether name boards in Uttar Pradesh included Tamil and other South Indian languages to assist passengers from those regions visiting Kashi Sangamam and Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. He also questioned whether the announcements in the Mahakumbh were made in other Indian languages. 

Stalin Cites Dravidian Leaders Over Language Row

In a statement, Stalin stated that the Dravidian movement has never harboured animosity towards any language, and that Tamil has never viewed other languages as enemies. Tamil, he said, has simply resisted any attempt to dominate it. He also referenced past Dravidian leaders, like Pitti Theagarayar, who respected Sanskrit but never compromised the integrity of Tamil. 

He also accused the central BJP government of "betraying" Tamil Nadu and reassured that he would take all necessary steps to safeguard the Tamil language. 

The Chief Minister stated that Tamil Nadu is currently up and against to the BJP's attempts to impose Hindi, and later Sanskrit, under the guise of the three-language formula. He pointed out that this push had been set in motion years ago by Dravidian leaders. Stalin highlighted that Tamil Nadu's two-language policy, which includes Tamil and English, has helped the state make significant progress in school education, higher education, skill development, and job creation. 

(With PTI Inputs) 

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