Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has responded vigorously to Governor RN Ravi’s recent remarks regarding the state’s two-language policy, denouncing them as misleading and questioning the linguistic approaches in BJP-ruled states.
Governor Ravi claimed that Tamil Nadu’s strict two-language policy has limited opportunities for the youth, hampering their ability to learn other South Indian languages. In his sixth communication to DMK members, Stalin emphasized, “Tamils and Tamil Nadu have never opposed any language. However, whenever there has been an attempt to impose a language, Tamil Nadu has always stood up against it.”
Stalin challenged the Governor’s assertions, stating, “He is presenting a false narrative, claiming that the two-language policy has deprived Tamil Nadu’s youth of the chance to study South Indian languages. How many North Indian languages are taught in BJP-controlled states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar? The Governor will not have an answer, nor will those who support him.”
Further addressing the Governor’s claim that knowledge of Hindi secures employment in North Indian states, Stalin highlighted that many Hindi-speaking migrants are flocking to Tamil Nadu in search of jobs, indicating the success of the state’s two-language policy. “Those who speak only Hindi are coming to developed Tamil Nadu for work opportunities. Even the Hon’ble Governor is receiving a salary from Tamil Nadu taxpayers,” he remarked.
Stalin also countered criticisms from BJP officials who questioned why DMK members protested against the Hindi presence on railway signboards while not addressing it on rupee notes. “The rupee note features multiple languages, promoting language equality. This contrasts with the railway and central government departments where language imposition is apparent,” he asserted.
The comments from Stalin follow Governor Ravi’s visit to Tamil Nadu’s southern districts of Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli, where he expressed concerns over youth unemployment and substance abuse, while advocating for the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages multilingual education.
In his communication, Ravi noted, “Despite immense industrial potential, residents feel deprived of opportunities. The issue of substance abuse among youth is serious, and many demand the implementation of NEP 2020. Young people in this region feel disadvantaged compared to their peers in neighboring states due to the government’s stringent two-language policy.”
