New Delhi:
In the midst of an escalating language policy dispute, the BJP is set to launch a door-to-door campaign in Tamil Nadu from March 1 to promote the Centre’s three-language policy, a move that has reignited a long-standing controversy. This campaign comes as the state prepares for Assembly elections next year, highlighting the political stakes involved.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has clarified that the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 does not mandate the imposition of any language, but rather aims to promote multilingual education and cultural integration. In a letter to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin, Pradhan emphasized that the NEP upholds linguistic freedom and allows students to learn in the language of their choice. However, he criticized the DMK-led state government for its continued opposition to the policy, which he attributed to political motivations.
The dispute centers around the three-language formula, which suggests that students should learn three languages, with at least two being native to India. While the policy allows flexibility in language selection and does not enforce any specific language, Tamil Nadu has historically resisted the inclusion of Hindi in its curriculum, adhering instead to a two-language policy that teaches Tamil and English.
Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin has been vocal in his opposition, stating that the state is ready for another “language war” if the Centre persists in what he sees as an attempt to impose Hindi. He reminded the BJP of the state’s strong historical resistance to Hindi, referencing past anti-Hindi protests and the slogan “GoBackModi” that emerged during previous conflicts.
The BJP’s campaign is seen as part of its broader strategy to gain a foothold in Tamil Nadu’s political landscape, where the party has traditionally struggled to win voter support. BJP state chief K Annamalai has accused the DMK of clinging to an “outdated” policy from the 1960s, arguing that the world is developing rapidly and that the children of Tamil Nadu should not be limited by such policies.
The standoff has also led to financial implications, with Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan warning that Tamil Nadu will not receive funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme unless it implements the NEP 2020. This has been met with strong resistance from the Tamil Nadu government, which accuses the Centre of “blackmail” and vows to protect the state’s linguistic heritage.
As the campaign prepares to launch, the debate over the three-language policy continues to simmer, reflecting deeper tensions between the Centre and the state over linguistic and cultural identity. The issue is likely to remain a contentious point in the run-up to the state elections, highlighting the complex interplay between education policy, politics, and regional identity.
