Amid the ongoing language controversy between the Union government and Tamil Nadu, Janasena Party chief and Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Friday stressed the importance of preserving India's linguistic diversity, stating that the country "needs multiple languages, including Tamil, not just two."
"India needs multiple languages, including Tamil, not just two. We must embrace linguistic diversity—not only to maintain the integrity of our nation but also to foster love and unity among its people," Kalyan said while addressing party workers at the Janasena Party's 12th foundation day celebration in Pithapuram, Kakinada district.
Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister and Janasena Party chief Pawan Kalyan says, "India needs multiple languages, including Tamil, not just two. We must embrace linguistic diversity—not only to maintain the integrity of our nation but also to foster love and unity among its… https://t.co/nTj5PJyEP7 pic.twitter.com/9TKEjL1uCl
— ANI (@ANI) March 14, 2025
His remarks come as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin continues to oppose the three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP), accusing the Union government of attempting ‘Hindi imposition.’
Taking a veiled dig at the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Kalyan questioned the party’s stance on Hindi, pointing out what he described as hypocrisy.
"I do not understand why some criticize Sanskrit. Why do Tamil Nadu politicians oppose Hindi while allowing their movies to be dubbed in Hindi for financial gain? They want money from Bollywood but refuse to accept Hindi—what kind of logic is that?" Kalyan asked.
Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai reiterated the BJP’s stance on the three-language policy, stating that while no language should be imposed, people should have the option to learn one voluntarily.
"We are continuously saying that there is a need for a third language. More than 14 lakh people have signed in the signature campaign. People of Tamil Nadu don’t want a compulsory third language like Hindi, which Congress tried to impose in 1965," Annamalai said.
He further alleged double standards by the DMK, pointing out that private schools run by DMK leaders teach Hindi, while government schools do not.
"People willingly want to learn a third language, which is optional. Tamil Nadu is ready; only the DMK is not ready. All the private schools run by the DMK teach a third language; they teach Hindi. Why do they not want government school students to learn a third language?" he questioned.
