New Delhi: The ongoing debate over the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has intensified, with the Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) criticizing the Samajwadi Party (SP) and Congress for remaining silent on what it calls “insults” to the Hindi language by Tamil Nadu’s ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK).
RLD Stages Protest Over Hindi Opposition
The RLD, an NDA ally, staged a protest outside the Uttar Pradesh Assembly in front of the statue of Chaudhary Charan Singh. The party accused DMK of making disrespectful remarks about Hindi and questioned the silence of opposition parties on the issue.
Cabinet Minister Anil Kumar stated, “SP’s best friend, MK Stalin, is openly opposing Hindi. Why are SP chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress MP Rahul Gandhi silent?” He further demanded a clarification from the opposition, emphasizing that 24 crore Hindi speakers in Uttar Pradesh deserve to know their stance.
NEP’s Language Policy and Tamil Nadu’s Opposition
Tamil Nadu has strongly opposed the three-language formula, arguing that it facilitates the indirect imposition of Hindi in the state. Unlike other states, Tamil Nadu follows a two-language policy, with only Tamil and English in government-run schools. Chief Minister MK Stalin reaffirmed the state’s commitment to resisting Hindi’s inclusion in its education system.
However, the Union Government dismissed claims of Hindi imposition, stating that the three-language formula allows states to choose any language alongside English and the regional language, without necessarily including Hindi.
Political Reactions and Counterclaims
Bhupender Chaudhary of RLD questioned the silence of SP and Congress, arguing that allegations of Hindi overshadowing regional languages are misleading and divisive. He stated, “Standardization of languages happens in every state. Such statements create unnecessary divisions.”
In response, CM Stalin alleged that forced adoption of Hindi in other states had resulted in the disappearance of 25 native North Indian languages over the past century. He further accused the Centre of pushing a “monolithic Hindi identity” at the expense of linguistic diversity.
Union Ministers Defend NEP 2020
Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Singh dismissed claims of Hindi imposition as politically motivated. He emphasized that NEP 2020 promotes mother tongue-based education, urging critics to read the policy document before making assumptions.
He reiterated, “Language cannot be imposed on anyone. The policy explicitly emphasizes using mother tongue or local language as a medium of instruction.”
Language Politics in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has a long history of anti-Hindi agitations, with the DMK and AIADMK strongly opposing Hindi imposition since the 20th century. The BJP, however, maintains that NEP 2020 does not mandate Hindi but instead promotes multilingual education to enhance learning outcomes.
As the debate continues, RLD’s stance has intensified political tensions, placing SP and Congress under pressure to clarify their position on the issue.
