Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 26 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin over the three-language row, calling it "narrow politics."
In an interview with ANI, CM Yogi said that Stalin was trying to create divisions based on region and language because he felt his vote bank was at risk. He emphasised that language should unite, not divide, people. He pointed out that Tamil is one of India's oldest languages, with a rich history and heritage.
Adityanath questioned why Hindi should be hated, highlighting that it's essential to learn every language.
On being asked about the opposition to the Hindi language in Tamil Nadu, CM Yogi, Chief Minister of the Hindi belt state, said, "The country should not be divided on the basis of language or region. We are grateful to Prime Minister Modi ji for organizing the third generation of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi. Tamil is one of the oldest languages in India, and its history is as ancient as Sanskrit. Every Indian has respect and reverence for Tamil because many elements of Indian heritage are still alive in the language. So, why should we hate Hindi?"
He emphasised that no language works to divide; it works to unite. Adityanath advocated for a broader perspective, emphasizing the importance of unity and inclusivity.
"I believe this is the message conveyed by our National Anthem as well. This is merely narrow politics. When these people feel their vote bank is at risk, they try to create divisions based on region and language. The people of this country should always be alert to such divisive politics and stand firm for the unity of the country," CM Yogi Adityanath said.
He also noted that if Tamil, Telugu, and other languages can be taught in Uttar Pradesh, then why can't Hindi be taught in Tamil Nadu universities?
"I say that we should learn every language. We teach Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam at the universities in Uttar Pradesh. We are not only teaching these, but we are also teaching foreign languages at the universities in Uttar Pradesh. All of this has been implemented in the National Education Policy. If we can teach Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, and other languages in Uttar Pradesh's universities, then what is wrong with teaching Hindi in Tamil Nadu's universities? I believe we should adopt a broader perspective for the country," the Uttar Pradesh CM said.
The three-language row has created a stalemate between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government over the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Adityanath dismissed Stalin's concerns about delimitation, calling it a "political agenda."
"Look, the Home Minister has stated this very clearly on this matter. This is Stalin's political agenda under the guise of the meeting. I believe that after the Home Minister's statement, no questions should arise on this issue," he said.
On February 22, the first Joint Action Committee (JAC), led by Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin, urged the central government to "not penalise" the states that have effectively implemented the population control program.
It passed a resolution on the issue of delimitation, expressing concern over the "lack of transparency and clarity" from the Union government.