Don't compromise on State's two-language policy: Stalin to TVK

CHENNAI: DMK president M K Stalin on Friday warned the TVK-led government against compromising Tamil Nadu's established two-language policy and urged it to change its approach towards the State's language policy.

Stalin's remarks came after Hindi lettering was found on a newly installed highway signboard on the Sathankulam–Nazareth State Highway (SH-93) in Thoothukudi district. The signboard, which carried place names in Tamil and English, also contained Hindi lettering.

Reacting to the development, Stalin referred to the signboards carrying Hindi letters and said Tamil Nadu had for decades faced attempts by the Union government to impose Hindi.

"Now, the State government itself is imposing Hindi. Is this the change they spoke about?" he asked.

He questioned whether the incident represented another instance of the TVK-led government making a U-turn after facing opposition from political parties and the public.

Stalin also criticised the functioning of the new government, describing it as a Reels government. He alleged that the administration was giving greater importance to social media publicity and claimed that it was attempting to cater to North Indian social media influencers.

He urged the government to focus on the concerns and policies affecting the people of Tamil Nadu instead of concentrating on social media narratives.

"Do not play with Tamil Nadu's two-language policy. It is the oxygen of Tamil Nadu," Stalin said.