Pawan Kalyan’s comments coincide with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin accusing the Union government of “imposing Hindi” and refusing to adopt the three-language formula of the National Education Policy (NEP).
Pawan Kalyan:Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh)
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, the leader of the Janasena Party, emphasized the importance of maintaining India’s linguistic diversity on Friday amid the ongoing language dispute between the Union government and Tamil Nadu, stating that the nation “needs multiple languages, including Tamil, not just two.”
“India requires more than two languages, including Tamil. Speaking to party workers at an event in the Kakinada district, Pawan Kalyan stated, “We must embrace linguistic diversity—not only to maintain the integrity of our nation but also to foster love and unity among its people.”
At the district’s Pithapuram town, Pawan Kalyan was giving a speech at the Janasena Party’s 12th foundation day celebration.
Pawan Kalyan’s comments coincide with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin accusing the Union government of “imposing Hindi” and refusing to adopt the three-language formula outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP).
Without specifically mentioning the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Mr. Kalyan made a subtle jab at the party, accusing Tamil Nadu politicians of hypocrisy by pointing out that despite their opposition to Hindi, they permit Tamil films to be dubbed into Hindi for financial benefit.
“Why some people criticize Sanskrit is beyond me. Why do politicians in Tamil Nadu oppose Hindi while permitting the Hindi dubbing of their films for commercial benefit? What kind of logic is it that they reject Hindi but want money from Bollywood? Mr. Kalyan inquired.
Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai earlier Friday reaffirmed the party’s position on the three-language policy, stating that although the state’s citizens do not want to be forced to learn a third language, they are amenable to doing so voluntarily.
“The necessity of a third language is something we keep saying. In the signature language, over 14 lakh people have signed. Tamil Nadu residents oppose being forced to learn a third language, such as Hindi, which the Congress did in 1965, Annamalai told ANI.
He also accused the DMK of having double standards, pointing out that government schools do not teach Hindi while private schools controlled by DMK leaders do.
“Learning a third language is something that people voluntarily desire to do. The DMK is not prepared, but Tamil Nadu is. Hindi is taught as a third language in all DMK-run private schools. Why do they oppose third-language instruction for students in government schools? He asked.
