Pawan Kalyan bats for linguistic diversity amid Hindi debate
What's the story
Amid a language war between the Union government and Tamil Nadu, Pawan Kalyan, Andhra Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister and Janasena Party chief, has highlighted the linguistic diversity of India.
"India needs multiple languages, including Tamil, not just two," he said at an event in Kakinada district.
His comments came at a celebration on the Janasena Party's 12th foundation day in Pithapuram town.
Political critique
Kalyan criticizes Tamil Nadu politicians for their stance on Hindi
Kalyan's comments are a rebuttal to Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin's allegations of 'Hindi imposition' by the Union government and his refusal to implement the NEP's three-language formula.
Without naming the DMK, Kalyan accused TN politicians of hypocrisy for opposing Hindi but letting Tamil films be dubbed into Hindi for money.
"They want money from Bollywood but refuse to accept Hindi—what kind of logic is that?" he questioned.
Policy support
Tamil Nadu BJP president supports 3-language policy
On the same day, Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai defended his party's support for the three-language policy.
He said that while the people of the state don't want a third language imposed upon them, they are open to learning one voluntarily.
Annamalai also accused DMK leaders of hypocrisy for teaching Hindi in their private schools but not allowing it in government schools.
Policy stance
DMK refuses to compromise on 2-language policy
Presenting the budget in the state assembly, Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thenarasu reiterated that the state government wouldn't budge on its two-language policy, even if it loses over ₹2,000 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) scheme.
The statement comes amid a politically charged atmosphere in the state over two contentious issues: the three-language row, and delimitation.