State govt. firm on two-language policy, says Velu

Minister for Public Works E.V. Velu on Sunday reiterated the State government’s commitment to the two-language policy and also dismissed allegations about the all-party meeting on delimitation.

Minister for Public Works E.V. Velu on Sunday reiterated the State government’s commitment to the two-language policy and also dismissed allegations about the all-party meeting on delimitation.

He told reporters in Kumbakonam that there was need for political unity in Tamil Nadu on the issue of delimitation. “On this matter, the State must speak in one voice, beyond political differences,” he said.

Reaffirming the government’s stance, he said: “Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has made it clear that Tamil Nadu will adhere to the two-language formula, with Tamil as the mother tongue and English as the link language. The option of learning a third language remains a personal choice. Nowhere has he said that languages such as Malayalam, Kannada, or Telugu should not be studied.”

Highlighting Tamil Nadu’s contribution to India’s economy, Mr. Velu pointed out that a significant number of engineers from the State had studied in English medium and worked in countries such as Japan, the U.K., and the U.S. “Their contribution has played a key role in India’s economic growth,” he said. Taking a jibe at critics of the two-language policy, he said: “If anyone supports Hindi imposition here, they are only trying to betray Tamil Nadu.”

On BJP State president K. Annamalai’s claim that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin was convening an all-party meeting to spread misinformation on delimitation, Mr. Velu said: “What else can he say as a BJP leader?”

Later, Mr. Velu reviewed the construction of a high-level bridge across the Vettar, connecting Kangalanjeri-Vadakandam and Kangalanjeri-Manakkal roads in Tiruvarur district. About 67% of the project, undertaken by the Highways Construction and Maintenance Department at an estimated cost of ₹70 crore, had been completed.

In Nagapattinam, Mr. Velu visited the newly constructed Vedaranyam Government Hospital building.