DMK MP Kanimozhi’s remarks came after a heated debate in Parliament over the National Education Policy (NEP), delimitation, and funding allocations for the state.
The political rift between the ruling government and the opposition deepened further as DMK MP Kanimozhi launched a scathing attack on the Union Government, accusing it of routinely insulting Tamil Nadu. Her remarks came after a heated debate in Parliament over the National Education Policy (NEP), delimitation, and funding allocations for the state.
“The Union Government has made it a habit to insult Tamil Nadu every day. Yesterday, it was the Education Minister. Now, the Finance Minister has taken it upon herself to insult the Tamil Nadu government. They make it seem like they are doing us a favour by giving us schemes. You cannot keep insulting Tamil Nadu every day,” Kanimozhi told reporters on Tuesday.
The DMK and other opposition parties have strongly opposed the NEP, particularly its three-language formula, which they argue imposes Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states. Kanimozhi alleged that the Union Government was deliberately withholding funds meant for Tamil Nadu until the state signed onto the NEP.
“The Union Govt is withholding the money that has to be given to Tamil Nadu, saying that we have to sign the three-language policy and the NEP. They are ruining the future of the children of Tamil Nadu.”
- Kanimozhi, DMK MP
“The Union Government is refusing to release the funds owed to Tamil Nadu because we have not agreed to the three-language policy and the NEP. They are jeopardising the future of Tamil Nadu’s children. This is undemocratic and unacceptable,” Kanimozhi said.
She further criticised Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s recent remarks in Parliament, claiming that he insulted Tamil Nadu by calling its leaders dishonest and uncivilised. “We do not expect such abusive language from a Union Minister. We demand an apology,” she asserted.
Opposition Unites Against NEP, Delimitation
Congress MP K Suresh also condemned the NEP, accusing the central government of implementing the policy without consulting state governments or academic experts.
“Education policy changes are a serious matter. The Centre introduced the NEP without consulting state governments or academicians. Their real intention is to saffronise the entire education system,” Suresh said.
Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) MP N K Premachandran highlighted concerns over delimitation, arguing that states that adhered to family planning policies should not be penalised in the redrawing of constituencies.
“We will protest for the genuine interests of the people and ensure their voices are heard in Parliament. But at the same time, we will cooperate with the government to ensure the House functions smoothly,” he added.
Kanimozhi Slams Sitharaman Over TN Funding
Kanimozhi also lashed out at Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s remarks on Tamil Nadu’s financial allocations, calling her statements hypocritical.
“The Finance Minister made it look like the funds allocated to Tamil Nadu are acts of charity. The truth is, the funds that are supposed to be allocated have not been given yet,” Kanimozhi said.
She argued that Tamil Nadu contributes a significant share of national tax revenue but receives far less in return compared to other states.
“If we pay one rupee in taxes, we are getting back only 29 paisa, while other states receive double or even triple the amount. Is this fair?” she questioned.
Earlier, Sitharaman had criticised the DMK government’s opposition to the three-language policy, accusing it of creating a “political mess” in Tamil Nadu and denying children the right to learn.
“The New Education Policy allows children to learn in their mother tongue until Class 5, ideally until Class 8, and even beyond if possible. Yet, the DMK has falsely claimed that this policy imposes Hindi. They have created a political issue in Tamil Nadu that is depriving children of their right to education,” Sitharaman said in Lok Sabha.
“NEP actually says learn in your mother tongue till class 5th, if possible till 8th even better till intermediate that’s what NEP says but they (DMK) want to imagine it is imposing Hindi. Wrongly they have created political mess in Tamil Nadu denying children their right to learn.”
- Nirmala Sitharaman, FM
Political Showdown
The ongoing row over the NEP and funding allocations highlights broader tensions between Tamil Nadu and the Union Government, with the DMK asserting that the Centre is undermining the state’s autonomy. The DMK-led government has consistently opposed policies that they believe infringe upon Tamil Nadu’s linguistic and cultural identity, as well as its financial independence.
With both sides refusing to back down, the political battle over education, federalism, and resource allocation is expected to escalate further in the coming weeks.
