New Delhi, March 4 (IANS) The ongoing controversy over three-language issue between the BJP-led Centre and the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government has ignited a fierce political debate, particularly with the second half of the Budget session of Parliament set to commence on March 10.
As the Congress remains silent on the proposed introduction of Hindi in Tamil Nadu schools, the unity of the INDIA Bloc appears to be under strain. The DMK, a crucial ally of the opposition bloc, is growing increasingly vocal in its opposition to the Centre’s stance, and Congress’ reluctance to take a clear position risks alienating the party. This silence could jeopardise the cohesion of the alliance, potentially creating fissures at a time when opposition unity is paramount.
The key issue related to the controversy is the imposition of Hindi, which is being seen by some in the south as well as other regions as an attempt to undermine regional languages. In this, the “three-language formula” of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is emerging as the focal point.
Undoubtedly, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin-led DMK has been vocal in its opposition. It has alleged that the Centre is pushing Hindi through the NEP. The other constituents within the INDIA bloc, especially the Congress, have remained largely silent. They have kept their stance on the matter unclear.
The three-language formula, which mandates the teaching of three languages in schools, has raised concerns among various regional parties, particularly in states like Tamil Nadu, where there is a long-standing resistance to the imposition of Hindi.
At the centre of this dispute lies the deep-rooted opposition to the imposition of Hindi in Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu, which has a history of anti-Hindi agitations dating back nearly a century, has long embraced a two-language system where students are taught Tamil and English. For the people of Tamil Nadu, any attempt to introduce Hindi into the school curriculum is seen as an infringement on their linguistic and cultural identity.
Talking to IANS, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan said, “We have state board schools where Tamil and English are taught, and we will not accept third language there. We are not opposing three languages in CBSE run schools in the state. We have a law enacted in the assembly way back in 1968 saying only two languages will be in the schools of Tamil Nadu. Great scholars and educationists have said that education in mother tongue is the best thing. No UP and Bihar schools are teaching Tamil. No Rajasthan school is teaching Tamil. The state wants only two languages in the state board schools. If three languages are imposed, then let the entire schools of India study Tamil.”
In response to the growing criticism, BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh, while talking to IANS, defended the role of Hindi in the country. According to Singh, “The Constitution recognises 14 languages, and Hindi is the national language of the country. Hindi serves as the language that unites us all.” Singh’s statements suggest that the BJP views Hindi as a unifying force that transcends regional divides.
However, Singh also pointed to what he sees as the unfortunate tendency of regional parties to politicise language issues, claiming that they often use language to create division for electoral gains. “Regional parties often form along language and caste lines, creating divisions where there should be unity,” Singh remarked, while emphasising that India’s unity is strengthened by the collective efforts of people from diverse linguistic backgrounds.
Singh’s comments also touched upon the significance of religion and culture in the region, referencing the prevalence of temples and the long-standing tradition of the Sanatan Dharma in southern India.
Amidst the political turmoil, Congress spokesperson Udit Raj has taken a more direct stance on the matter, calling out the BJP’s tactics. Talking to IANS, Udit Raj, in a sharp critique of the Centre, argued that the imposition of Hindi was part of a broader strategy by the BJP to consolidate its political base through language and religion. “The BJP can impose Hindi, they can impose religion, they can do anything for their own political gain,” Raj said. He cautioned against the dangers of forcing a language upon people, especially when it has deep cultural implications.
Raj further slammed the BJP’s selective handling of languages, particularly pointing out the treatment of Urdu. “Hindi can be imposed, but Urdu is labelled as the language of Muslims. How did Urdu, which was spoken long before Hindi, become associated with a particular community?” Raj asked. He said that languages like Urdu, which have roots in Persian and Arabic, are much more than religious markers and should not be restricted to any one community.
Udit Raj sought to explain how language is often politicised in India, with each party framing it as a tool to either unite or divide.
As the Budget session of Parliament approaches, all eyes are on the INDIA alliance, the opposition bloc consisting of parties like the DMK and Congress. While the DMK has firmly taken a stand against the NEP’s three-language formula, the Congress has maintained a more cautious silence, seemingly “weighing its options.”
The party’s position remains critical, given that the Congress’s response could influence the direction of the opposition’s stance on the issue. With Tamil Nadu being a key state in the opposition’s political strategy, the party’s leadership will need to carefully navigate its response to avoid alienating regional allies. It remains to be seen whether the Congress will align with the DMK’s opposition to the NEP or adopt a more conciliatory approach. The outcome could have significant implications for the unity of the opposition alliance.
–IANS
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