Chennai: Tamil Nadu’s Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam has ignited a fresh and explosive political controversy weeks before the state’s Assembly elections, making contentious remarks that juxtapose the state’s two-language policy (Tamil & English) against migrant workers from northern India who “have only learnt Hindi.” His comments have swiftly reopened the deeply emotive “Hindi imposition” debate, forcing a swift response from his own party, the ruling DMK.
The Controversial Remarks: “Coming to Clean Tables…” vs “Going Abroad to Earn in Crores”
Speaking at an event, Minister Panneerselvam starkly contrasted the perceived outcomes of the two language approaches. He stated that those from the north come to Tamil Nadu for “menial jobs” like cleaning tables, construction labor, or selling pani puri due to their Hindi-only education. In contrast, he claimed Tamil children, benefiting from the state’s focus on English, “have gone abroad… to the USA, London… getting opportunities to earn in crores.” The remarks were immediately criticized as derogatory and divisive.
DMK’s Damage Control: “Dignity in All Work,” But Reaffirms Anti-Imposition Stance
The DMK moved quickly to contain the fallout. Party spokesperson Dr. Syed Hafeezullah emphasized there is “dignity in every legal work” and that the state has “nothing against Hindi speakers or the jobs they do.” However, he reframed the minister’s comments as a critique of the central government’s three-language policy under the National Education Policy (NEP), arguing it has hindered development in Hindi-speaking states. Senior MP TR Baalu suggested Panneerselvam was “misquoted,” but reiterated the party’s staunch opposition to any perceived linguistic imposition.
Election Flashpoint: Language Policy Set to Dominate Campaign
The controversy arrives at a critical juncture, with the DMK seeking a second consecutive term. The issue of language and the NEP is now certain to be a central campaign theme, pitting the DMK’s “two-language” model against the BJP-led Centre’s “three-language” formula, which the state views as a covert push for Hindi. The opposition AIADMK, now allied with the BJP, will be forced to navigate this sensitive topic.