Kanimozhi Condemns Union Minister's 'Uncivilised' Remark Amidst NEP Controversy

DMK MP Kanimozhi condemned Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's remark labeling Tamil Nadu representatives as “uncivilised.” The controversy surrounds the three-language policy in the National Education Policy, which Tamil Nadu opposes. Kanimozhi emphasizes state opposition and accuses the central government of withholding funds over the policy dispute.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi has criticized Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after he referred to DMK Parliamentarians, the Tamil Nadu government, and its residents as "uncivilised" in a Parliamentary debate. Addressing the Lok Sabha, Kanimozhi expressed her discontent and demanded the minister retract his statement.

The controversy is rooted in the ongoing debate over India's National Education Policy (NEP), specifically its three-language formula, which Tamil Nadu has strongly opposed. Kanimozhi explained that Tamil Nadu officials have repeatedly voiced their concerns over the NEP's implementation, stressing that it fails to align with the state's linguistic preferences.

Highlighting Tamil Nadu's formal complaints, Kanimozhi mentioned Chief Minister M.K. Stalin's correspondence with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, outlining the state's issues with the NEP. She claimed the central government withheld over Rs 2,000 crores in school funding to pressure Tamil Nadu into accepting the policy.

(With inputs from agencies.)