Thu Feb 27 06:51:00 UTC 2025: ## Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Escalates “Hindi Imposition” Row, Accuses Center of Cultural Destruction

**Chennai, India –** Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has intensified his criticism of the central government’s approach to language policy, accusing it of imposing Hindi and destroying numerous native North Indian languages. In a series of posts and statements, Stalin claimed that a push for a monolithic Hindi identity has led to the demise of at least 20 languages over the past century, citing examples like Bhojpuri, Maithili, and Awadhi. He specifically targeted the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and its three-language formula, arguing that it prioritizes Sanskrit while neglecting Tamil.

Stalin highlighted the absence of Tamil language teachers in Kendriya Vidyalayas (central government schools) and alleged that the center, despite claiming students can learn any language, doesn’t offer Tamil as a subject unless at least 15 students opt for it. He further criticized the replacement of Urdu teachers with Sanskrit teachers in Rajasthan schools.

The escalating conflict stems from the central government’s withholding of ₹2,400 crore in funds for Tamil Nadu due to the state’s incomplete implementation of the NEP. Stalin and his son, Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin, have accused the center of blackmail and threatened a renewed “language war,” echoing the violent protests against Hindi imposition in 1967. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan countered these accusations, asserting that there’s no imposition of Hindi and that Tamil Nadu initially agreed to the NEP before reversing its stance for political reasons.

The controversy has also impacted Tamil Nadu’s political landscape. Actor Ranjana Natchiyaar resigned from the BJP, citing the Hindi imposition issue, and joined actor Vijay’s Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam. Vijay himself criticized both the DMK and BJP, suggesting the entire confrontation is politically staged. The ongoing dispute underscores the deep-seated tensions between the central government and Tamil Nadu over language policy and cultural identity.

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