New Delhi: A heated political row erupted in Parliament on Wednesday as opposition MPs lashed out at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over her remarks targeting the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in the ongoing language policy debate. The controversy stems from the New Education Policy (NEP) and its three-language model, which has faced resistance from Tamil Nadu and other southern states.
Addressing Lok Sabha on Tuesday, Sitharaman criticized the DMK’s stance on NEP, alleging hypocrisy in its opposition to the three-language formula. She further claimed that an “elderly person” whom the DMK reveres had once described Tamil as a barbaric language, a comment widely believed to be referencing Periyar, the founder of the Dravidian movement.
“But a man who repeatedly says Tamil is a barbaric language, they keep his photograph in every room, they garland him and worship him and say he is the icon of the Dravidian movement. Look at their hypocrisy,” Sitharaman stated, sparking immediate backlash from opposition leaders.
Opposition Hits Back at Sitharaman
MDMK MP Durai Vaiko refuted Sitharaman’s claims, stating that Periyar never demeaned Tamil and accusing the Finance Minister of politicizing the issue.
“Periyar never demeaned the Tamil language. Nobody can question his love and sacrifice for Tamil society. Tamil Nadu and India expect much more from a senior leader like Sitharaman, but she is trying to mislead people for political gains,” Vaiko said.
CPI MP P Sandosh Kumar also condemned Sitharaman’s remarks, alleging bias against southern states.
“Nirmala Sitharaman is infamous for such controversial remarks. In her blind support for the BJP, she continues to act against the interests of Tamil Nadu and other southern states,” Kumar stated.
Tamil Nadu’s Firm Stand on Two-Language Policy
Congress MP Karti Chidambaram reiterated Tamil Nadu’s long-standing opposition to the three-language formula, defending the state’s commitment to Tamil and English as its medium of instruction.
“Tamil Nadu is clear and well-served by the two-language formula – English and Tamil. English connects us globally, while Tamil preserves our cultural identity. If anyone wants to learn a third language, it should be voluntary. The Union government must not impose Hindi,” Chidambaram emphasized.
Shiv Sena (UBT) Criticizes BJP’s ‘Arrogance’
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi accused the BJP of arrogance in pushing its language policies without debate.
“This is a state subject, and decisions must be taken through deliberation and consensus. But the BJP’s arrogance in forcing policies on states without consultation is deeply unfortunate,” Chaturvedi said.
Ongoing Language Debate and Political Fallout
The language issue has been a major point of contention between the BJP-led central government and regional parties, especially in Tamil Nadu, which has historically resisted Hindi imposition. The DMK and other opposition parties have accused the BJP of attempting to push Hindi dominance under the guise of NEP.
With elections approaching, the debate over language policy and federalism is expected to intensify, as regional parties continue to resist what they perceive as centralized control over education policies.
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