Will you threaten Tamil Nadu to accept Hindi, if we ask for our rightful share of funds? Udhayanidhi Stalin poser to Dharmendra Pradhan

Tamil Nadu government ministers stand firm against Hindi imposition and demand rightful share of funds.

Ministers of the Tamil Nadu Government took strong exception to comments on the three language policy by Union Minister for Education Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday (February 16, 2025) and engaged in a war of words asserting Tamil Nadu’s position against imposition of Hindi and for the rightful share of funds due to Tamil Nadu.

Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin rejected Mr. Pradhan’s observation that Tamil Nadu’s position was politically motivated. “The politics for Tamils began only after we developed language and community affinity,” he said.

“Will you threaten Tamil Nadu to accept Hindi, if we ask for our rightful share of funds? Taunting Tamil Nadu is like touching fire. Do not over do it. You would understand it if you recall the history of Tamil Nadu after Independence,” Mr. Udhayanidhi said in a social media post.

The Deputy CM said: “We are only asking for funds for our children’s education. Do not be arrogant assuming you are in a position to give and we are in a position to receive. Tamil Nadu will not be patient anymore!”

Later in the day, Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu too echoed the sentiments of the CM. “When Tamil Nadu contributes 9% to the Union GDP without conditions, why should there be strings attached when it comes to getting our rightful share?” he asked, in a social media post.