The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has once again exposed its deep-seated hypocrisy and anti-national agenda with its rigid opposition to Hindi. The claim that introducing Hindi in Tamil Nadu will weaken Tamil is not just absurd—it is a deliberate attempt to stoke linguistic paranoia for political gain. The truth is, every dominant language in India has absorbed smaller regional dialects over time, and Tamil is no exception. History offers ample proof. Tamil has assimilated Toda, Kurumba, Kota, and Badaga, much like Kannada has absorbed Tulu and Kodava, and Telugu has swallowed Pattapu, Konda, and Gondi. Malayalam, too, has absorbed Kumbaran, Pallyan, and Malasar. Yet, the DMK pretends that Tamil alone is under siege. This is nothing but selective outrage designed to foster division and linguistic isolation. The DMK claims that Tamil Nadu has the right to determine its language policy and has implemented a two-language formula—Tamil and English. But why is the introduction of Hindi, the most widely spoken Indian language, such a threat? Whether the DMK likes it or not, Hindi is a natural link language across India, including Tamil Nadu, despite their refusal to acknowledge it. Tamil Nadu’s political elite may grandstand in Parliament in Tamil, but their actions reveal their opportunism. They happily allow Hindi films to flood Tamil Nadu’s cinemas, raking in tax revenue, while opposing the language in education. If Hindi is truly a danger to Tamil identity, why the double standards? The DMK’s stubborn refusal to adopt the three-language formula is not about protecting Tamil—it is about political survival. Their opposition to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes multilingual learning, is a calculated move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s government, sensing its weakening grip, is using language politics to stir emotions and deflect attention from its failures.
Ironically, no Prime Minister in independent India has done more to promote Tamil and its cultural heritage than Narendra Modi. From recognizing Tamil’s ancient contributions to global literature to advocating for Tamil in global forums, Modi has consistently shown respect for the language. But rather than acknowledging this, the DMK distorts his efforts as an attempt to impose Hindi dominance. This is not just misleading—it is an outright lie meant to preserve the party’s outdated and divisive ideology. The reality is that Tamil Nadu’s political landscape is shifting. Pre-election surveys indicate a decline in DMK’s popularity, driven by anti-incumbency and governance failures. The AIADMK, once a formidable alternative, has lost its mass appeal due to a leadership vacuum following Jayalalithaa’s demise. Against this backdrop, the BJP, under the leadership of K. Annamalai—a dynamic former IPS officer—has emerged as a credible challenger, advocating for national unity and integration. The Centre’s decision to withhold Rs 2,152 crore in funds under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme is a justified response to Tamil Nadu’s refusal to implement the PM Schools for Rising India (PMSHRI) initiative, which is aligned with the NEP 2020. If Tamil Nadu wants the benefits of central schemes, it must play by the constitutional framework, not engage in political blackmail. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is right to insist that Tamil Nadu must comply with national policies. Stalin’s protest that no constitutional provision mandates the three-language formula only reveals his shallow understanding of India’s foundational principles. The Constitution’s spirit is about fostering unity in diversity, not erecting linguistic silos. Calling the Centre’s stance “blackmail” is a desperate move from a party running out of real issues to campaign on. The real test will be in the upcoming Tamil Nadu assembly elections. Will nationalist Tamilians see through the DMK’s deception and embrace a broader vision of unity? The BJP must capitalize on this moment, exposing the DMK’s double standards and making “national integration” a decisive electoral issue. If the people of Tamil Nadu reject the DMK’s divisive rhetoric and embrace a vision of unity, it will be a powerful statement—not just for the state, but for the entire nation.