When all political strategies seem to fail, the ruling DMK has returned with a divisive stance, subtly promoting divisiveness and what can be called secessionism. This time, Chief Minister MK Stalin himself has claimed, “India is not one country, but a subcontinent,” a statement that lacks logic, is completely absurd, and goes against the very spirit of India’s constitution — a constitution that the DMK and its leader have long claimed to uphold.
In a recent social media post, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin criticized the BJP-led central government for what he described as the imposition of Hindi, stating, “BJP leaders advocating Hindi insist, “You must know Hindi to buy tea, pani puri, or use toilets in North India.” In the Age of AI, forcing any language as a third language in schools is unnecessary. Advanced translation technology already removes language barriers instantly. Students should not be burdened with extra languages. They should focus on mastering their mother tongue and English while gaining expertise in science and technology. If needed, they can learn any language later. True progress lies in innovation, not linguistic imposition. #தமிழ்_வாழ்க! #LetterToBrethren #StopHindiImposition.”
BJP leaders advocating Hindi insist, “You must know Hindi to buy tea, pani puri, or use toilets in North India.”
In the Age of AI, forcing any language as a third language in schools is unnecessary. Advanced translation technology already removes language barriers instantly.… pic.twitter.com/b5s5tpHuPZ
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) February 28, 2025
One of the images shared in the post included that the letter by leader to DMK cadres, in which the it stated, “India is not one country, but a subcontinent.”
MK Stalin said “DMK was the first to proclaim in Parliament and make people realize that India is not one country but a subcontinent.”
This is the same rhetoric peddled by Congress’ crown prince Rahul Gandhi who has time and again said “India is not one nation” but a “union of states”.
While India is indeed a country, it is also part of the subcontinent, which encompasses a larger geographic region (Indian subcontinent), including countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives. This makes it a distinct area within the Asian continent, with its own unique geographical and cultural characteristics.
Yes, India can also be referred to as a subcontinent which refers to a large landmass that is somewhat smaller than a continent and is distinguished by its unique political, geographical, or cultural identity.
The question then arises: What exactly is Chief Minister MK Stalin trying to convey to the DMK cadres? Secession in India? Is he hinting at Tamil Nadu as a separate nation?
According to Article 1(1) of the Indian Constitution, we know that “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of States.” The word “Union” was intentionally chosen over “Federation” to emphasize that the Indian Union is not a product of an agreement between states (which could be broken) and that the states have no right to secede. While states can be restructured or reorganized, India, as a union, cannot be broken. The central government can alter the names and boundaries of states without their consent. This is why Dr. B.R. Ambedkar described India as an “indestructible Union of destructible states.”
This is not a new stance for the DMK, which had secessionist tendencies in the 1960s but later abandoned them. However, when faced with mounting criticism, the party often reverts to old, familiar rhetoric.
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