DMK MP Kanimozhi Condemns Union Minister Pradhan Over Education Fund Row

DMK MP Kanimozhi criticized Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in Lok Sabha for his "abusive" remarks and accused the Centre of withholding educational funds for Tamil Nadu, demanding an apology. The controversy stems from the Union government's linked release of funds to the acceptance of the National Education Policy.

On Tuesday, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi took a firm stand in the Lok Sabha, lambasting Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for his "abusive" language and accusing the Centre of unfairly withholding educational funds meant for Tamil Nadu. Kanimozhi demanded an apology, asserting that Pradhan's remarks were undemocratic.

The dispute centers around the contentious National Education Policy (NEP) and the three-language policy, with Kanimozhi accusing the Union government of withholding over Rs 2,000 crore in funds unless Tamil Nadu agrees to these policies. She condemned Pradhan's description of Tamil Nadu's government as "uncivilised," stating that such terms are unacceptable from a Union Minister.

The controversy prompted a protest by DMK MPs, including Kanimozhi, in Parliament, clad in black attire to signify their dissent. The party strongly opposes the NEP, viewing it as an imposition of Hindi in the state. Tamil Nadu's CM MK Stalin has also criticized Pradhan, demanding respect for the state's autonomy in educational matters.

(With inputs from agencies.)