In a surprising move, the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), known for its historical resistance against Hindi imposition, is showcasing a softened approach towards the language. The party, led by MK Stalin, has been a vocal critic of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) stance on Hindi, particularly Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s declarations in 2019 and 2022.
Shah’s statements during Hindi Diwas in 2019, where he emphasized Hindi as a unifying force, and his subsequent claim in 2022 that Hindi is a friend of other languages, were met with criticism from DMK leaders. Stalin reportedly countered Shah’s assertions, stating, “It is India and not ‘Hindia’.” During this period, Dravidian parties organized protests condemning Shah’s remarks.
Udhayanidhi Stalin, Tamil Nadu’s minister for sports and youth welfare and the CM’s son, created movement with red tshirt flaring “Hindi theriyadhu poda” (Don’t know Hindi, go away) in October 2022.
BJP leader Dr. Rama Sreenivasan, in a recent interview with TheNewsTamil, has censured the DMK for what he perceives as their inconsistent stance on upholding ‘Tamil’ heritage.
He states “Kannimozhi sister experience at airport, where a security official asked her to speak in Hindi, she immediately took the issue to twitter as Hindi imposition. Similarly, actor Siddarth from Karnataka shared a similar encounter on Twitter, some airport officials asked him to speak in Hindi. However, in the matter of Nitish Kumar advocating Hindi learning, why Kanimozhi did not condemned it in twitter?
A security personnel, possibly proficient only in Hindi or even lacking proficiency in English, might have requested, “Madam, please speak in Hindi.” I am unaware of that!… but in that issue you blamed as Hindi imposition! Advocating central government is trying to impose hindi on us!… What issues have you caused? You’ve popularized it and trended it on twitter! You wore T-shirt that saying “Hindi Theriyadhu poda”. Now wear that before nitish kumar; why refrain from stating “Hindi theriyadhu poda” now?
Why hasn’t Kanimozhi tweeted something like, “On that day, I issued a similar warning regarding airport issue. Likewise today, I condemn Nitish Kumar for instructing DMK leaders to learn and speak Hindi without offering translation. Even if the I.N.D.I. alliance breaks down, we will not accept Hindi
Hasn’t Nitish Kumar, nailed southern leaders by stating “learn Hindi first, don’t ask for translation, and Hindi is common for all,” criticized all South Indian leaders? Despite this, they remained silent and withdrew; it seems the DMK’s assertiveness is limited to Tamil Nadu and not extended to Bihar. Nitish kumar is not even a strong leader,You have not asserted your position”
மொழி வியாபாரி திமுகவை கிழித்து தொங்க விட்ட ப்ரொபசர் @ProfessorBJP 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/oUP668Sbn4
— Johny Bhai 🇮🇳 (@Johni_raja) January 6, 2024
However, in the matter of Nitish Kumar advocating Hindi learning, DMKs response was questioned by him. He highlights the inconsistency in their stance, as they previously condemned everything as Hindi imposition but remaining silent on Nitish Kumar’s statements.
The incident highlighted by Rama Sreenivasan, was at Fourth Meeting in New Delhi on 19 December 2023 which was the fourth meeting of the INDIA bloc in New Delhi addressing various issues, including seat-sharing, a joint campaign blueprint, and devising a strategy to the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
During the meeting, DMK leader TR Baalu requested an English translation of Nitish Kumar’s Hindi speech, triggering a strong reaction from the Bihar Chief Minister where he expressed frustration, argued that Hindi is the national language and insisted that everyone should learn and understand it.
This observable transformation is perceived as a strategic response to counter the BJP’s narrative of regional divisiveness and an endeavor to position itself as a national party. In recent developments, there are clear indications of a change in the DMK’s stance on Hindi. Despite being a leading force in the anti-Hindi movement, the party now exhibits signs of adopting a more accommodating position compromising their core ideology.
(Inputs with the The Print)
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