'Don't Throw Stones at Beehive': MK Stalin Amid Dharmendra Pradhan's Letter in NEP Row

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin warned the Centre on Friday not to throw stones at the beehive. He asserted a firm stance against any actions detrimental to the Tamil language, the state, or its people, declaring that he and his DMK party would oppose such activities as long as they remained in power. 

Turning the tables on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan amid the National Education Policy (NEP) controversy, he stated that Pradhan responded to the state's request for Rs 2,152 crore in funds for the education department by advising the state not to do politics in education. 

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Stalin asked, "Who is doing politics in education - you or us? Is the blackmail that fund release only if the trilingual policy was accepted, not politics? Is imposing Hindi in the name of NEP, not politics? Converting a multilingual and plural nation into a single-language country in the name of unity – isn't that political? Converting funds earmarked for one scheme into a 'condition' for implementing another – isn't that political?" 

The DMK president challenged the Central Minister and asked who was really doing politics. He accused the BJP-led government of spending money to create tensions between communities and push for Hindi. These comments came after he announced the launch of 602 completed projects worth Rs 704.89 crore, laid the foundation for 178 new initiatives costing Rs 384.41 crore, and distributed government aid totaling Rs 387 crore to 44,690 beneficiaries. 

Stalin responded to Pradhan's claim that Tamil Nadu was losing Rs 5,000 crore by not implementing the PM Shri School initiative, stating, "It doesn't take us a moment to decide not to share Tamil Nadu's tax revenue with you." He emphasized that cooperative federalism involves both giving and receiving, a cornerstone of the Constitution. The Chief Minister criticized the Centre for what he described as implementing the NEP not to improve education but to promote Hindi. He accused the government of trying to impose Hindi indirectly through educational policies, knowing that direct attempts would face strong opposition.  

Stalin expressed strong sentiments, stating, "We know how to develop our mother tongue. Ask those who lost their mother tongue to accept Hindi.” We don't need to beg for Tamil's development."  

Stalin Said "I warn the Centre don't throw stones at beehive”, Don’t underestimate the resilient spirit of the Tamils, he added. Emphasizing the Dravidian governance model's focus on people's welfare and overcoming obstacles, he affirmed their capability to progress despite challenges, aiming for continued success with the support of the people. 

(With PTI Inputs) 

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