Wed Feb 26 18:43:13 UTC 2025: ## DMK Clarifies Stance on Three-Language Policy: Opposes Hindi Imposition, Not the Language Itself

**Chennai, [Date]** – Senior DMK leader Kanimozhi today clarified her party’s position on the contentious three-language policy, asserting their opposition is directed at the central government’s imposition of Hindi, not the language itself. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Ms. Kanimozhi emphasized that languages can coexist, citing the linguistic diversity already present in Tamil Nadu. The issue, she stated, is not coexistence but imposition. The DMK’s aim, she clarified, is not to protect Tamil at the expense of other languages, but to prevent the cultural erosion she believes is associated with forced language adoption, referencing Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar’s statement on the destruction of a race through the destruction of its language.

Kanimozhi highlighted a perceived imbalance in the implementation of the three-language policy, noting that while southern states like Kerala and Karnataka teach Hindi, northern states largely fail to reciprocate by teaching a South Indian language. This, she argued, has exacerbated the north-south divide, violating the original spirit of the policy.

She further questioned the inherent value of a three-language policy, suggesting it is a myth that benefits only affluent children. She argued that Tamil and English are sufficient for communication, both within the state and internationally, while advocating for the right to learn other languages as needed.

This clarification comes amid escalating tensions between the DMK and the BJP over the policy. The BJP’s push for the three-language policy, coupled with the Union Education Minister’s threat to withhold approximately Rs 2,400 crore in funds for Tamil Nadu unless the National Education Policy is fully adopted, has been met with accusations of blackmail by Chief Minister MK Stalin. The DMK has declared its readiness to fight against the imposition of Hindi. Union Minister Amit Shah’s visit to Tamil Nadu today, where he apologized for his inability to speak Tamil, further highlighted the sensitive nature of the ongoing debate.

Read More