New Delhi [India], March 11 : As protests intensify against the National Education Policy (NEP), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MP Malvinder Singh Kang has emphasized the importance of safeguarding regional languages. He stated that while there is no objection to studying Hindi or English, it is crucial for the BJP-led central government to ensure the protection and promotion of local languages.
Speaking to ANI, Kang said, “It is vital to protect the local languages because of the country’s immense diversity and culture. If regional languages are not safeguarded in the National Education Policy, opposition is inevitable. There is no issue with learning Hindi or English, but it is the government’s responsibility to ensure that regional languages thrive and are preserved.”
Earlier today, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MP Kanimozhi and other DMK members staged a protest in Parliament against the NEP. The DMK opposes the NEP, particularly the three-language formula, which it views as an attempt to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu.
Congress MP K Suresh also criticized the central government over the NEP, accusing it of introducing the policy without consulting state governments and academicians. He claimed the real intention of the government is to “saffronise the entire education system.”
In his remarks to ANI, K Suresh stated, “Education policy change is a serious issue. The central government introduced a new education policy without consulting state governments or experts. They want to saffronise the education system. Tamil Nadu has always opposed the three-language policy, yet the Union government imposed it without consent. Our party members from Tamil Nadu fully support the DMK.”
On Monday, tensions rose between Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the DMK following Pradhan’s remarks, labeling the Tamil Nadu government as “dishonest” and its people as “uncivilised.” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin retaliated, accusing Pradhan of arrogance and insulting the people of Tamil Nadu.
In a strongly worded post on X (formerly Twitter), Stalin criticized Pradhan, calling him an “arrogant king” and stating that anyone who disrespects the people of Tamil Nadu “needs to be disciplined.”
The conflict escalated during Question Hour when Pradhan alleged that the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government had initially agreed to implement the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme but later backtracked. This led to a protest by the DMK, resulting in the adjournment of proceedings in the Lower House of Parliament.
Pradhan further stated, “The DMK is dishonest and not committed to the students of Tamil Nadu. They are ruining the future of students in the state. Their only agenda is to create language barriers and engage in politics. They are undemocratic and uncivilised.”