No to hindi imposition: Udhayanidhi stands firm on two-language policy

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin on Monday intensified the state’s opposition to the Centre’s language policy, asserting that Tamil Nadu will never accept the three-language formula and will continue with its two-language policy of Tamil and English .

Hitting back at Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for criticising Chief Minister M. K. Stalin , Udhayanidhi alleged that the Centre was using the National Education Policy (NEP) as a means to impose Hindi on the state . “We will never accept it,” he said, reiterating Tamil Nadu’s long-standing resistance to any policy perceived as diluting its linguistic identity.

The three-language formula , which promotes the learning of a regional language, Hindi, and English, has remained contentious in Tamil Nadu. The state views it as a threat to its cultural and linguistic autonomy , arguing that mandatory inclusion of Hindi would burden students and undermine Tamil’s primacy. The issue has frequently triggered Centre-State tensions , with the DMK positioning itself as a defender of regional identity.

Udhayanidhi made the remarks while campaigning in Thiruvaiyaru for DMK candidate Durai Chandrasekaran ahead of the April 23 election. He urged voters to ensure a decisive victory margin of 50,000 votes and promised to recommend Chandrasekaran for a ministerial role if elected. He also pledged to visit Thanjavur district monthly if the DMK secures all seats in the region, invoking the legacy of M. Karunanidhi.

In a sharp political exchange, Udhayanidhi also targeted Edappadi K. Palaniswami , responding to criticism over his inexperience with a pointed remark.

The language row continues to dominate Tamil Nadu’s political discourse, emerging as a key issue ahead of the elections.