News Tamil Nadu

“Urdu Maalum? Bolo,” DMK Minister Ponmudy Speaks Urdu While Opposing Hindi Under Dravidian Model

March 5, 2025
The Commune

The ruling DMK, known for its strong opposition to the three-language policy—particularly the inclusion of Hindi—has sparked controversy after one of its ministers was seen casually speaking in Urdu, a language closely linked to Hindi. This incident has ignited online criticism, with many pointing out the apparent contradiction in the party’s stance, as DMK has consistently resisted the implementation of Hindi as a third language while simultaneously giving special consideration to Urdu.

The event took place in Villupuram, where DMK’s Minister for Forests, K. Ponmudy, attended multiple programs organized by the DMK in celebration of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s birthday. Among these was an Iftar gathering hosted by the Muslim community in Edapalayam, followed by the inauguration of an Anganwadi school in the same village, located in Koliyanur Block of Villupuram district.

During the Anganwadi inauguration, Ponmudy noticed a group of Muslim children and asked them, “Urdu maalum? Bolo” (Do you know Urdu? Speak). He then followed up with “Achha hai” (It’s good) and shook hands with them. The children responded with excitement, but the moment soon went viral, fueling a debate on social media. Critics accused the DMK of hypocrisy, questioning why the party opposes Hindi as a third language yet allows Urdu, which shares linguistic similarities with Hindi, to flourish in the state.

This is not the first time DMK’s approach toward Urdu has come under scrutiny. Earlier, Education Minister Anbil Mahesh, another vocal critic of the three-language policy, was seen writing his name in Urdu on a classroom board while visiting an Urdu-medium school. On 10 October 2024, DMK Minister Anbil Mahesh Poiyamozhi conducted a surprise inspection at the government-aided Mazharul Uloom Urdu Higher Secondary School in the Ambur constituency. He participated in an Urdu language class to observe the teaching and learning process. To the delight of the Urdu students, he wrote his name, “Anbil,” in Urdu and asked them to read it aloud. The Urdu teacher then wrote the minister’s full name in Urdu, expressing gratitude and congratulations to him.

This is seen as a contradiction, given the party’s resistance to promoting any third language in Tamil Nadu.

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