Rhetoric Intensifies: NEP Sparks Language Clash in Tamil Nadu

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan criticized Tamil Nadu's DMK government for using language issues as a diversion from governance concerns. He reaffirmed commitment to multilingualism and defended the three-language policy amid strong opposition from Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who condemned the National Education Policy for its negative impact on education.

Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has escalated his critique against the ruling DMK government in Tamil Nadu, highlighting the contentious three-language policy and the National Education Policy (NEP). In a social media post, Pradhan accused Chief Minister M.K. Stalin of using language debates as a distraction from administrative shortcomings.

Pradhan stood by his parliamentary remarks, sharing a March 2024 consent letter from Tamil Nadu's School Education Department. He argued that the DMK's focus on language issues is a political ploy, asserting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government would not manipulate linguistic differences for divisive purposes.

In response, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin vehemently rejected the NEP, describing it as a threat to the state's educational system. Despite central government pressure, he vowed to resist the policy, maintaining it undermines Tamil Nadu's educational autonomy.