Pradhan slams DMK over three-language policy; Kanimozhi hits back

New Delhi, March 10: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has sharply criticized the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party in the ongoing controversy over the three-language policy in the National Education Policy (NEP).

In his speech in the Lok Sabha, Pradhan accused the DMK of dishonesty and playing politics at the expense of Tamil Nadu students’ futures. 

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"They (DMK) are dishonest. They are not committed to the students of Tamil Nadu. They are destroying the future of Tamil Nadu students. Their only goal is to create language barriers. They are engaging in politics, mischief, and are both undemocratic and uncivilized," Pradhan said.

In the Rajya Sabha, the DMK staged a walkout after raising concerns over the three-language policy and issues related to delimitation.

Health Minister JP Nadda took a swipe at the opposition for their walkout, calling it irresponsible. He urged members to familiarize themselves with parliamentary rules before submitting adjournment motions. Nadda also criticized the opposition’s frequent adjournment notices, labeling them as a "vicious design to demean the institution of Parliament." He assured that the government was willing to discuss all issues within the framework of the rules.

In response to Pradhan’s remarks, DMK MP Kanimozhi expressed strong disapproval after the Union Minister referred to DMK members, the Tamil Nadu government, and the people of Tamil Nadu as "uncivilized" in Parliament.

Kanimozhi, speaking in the Lok Sabha, stated, "I am deeply pained and hurt that the minister, in his reply in Parliament, has referred to the members of Parliament, the Tamil Nadu government, and the people of Tamil Nadu as uncivilized."

The controversy revolves around the ongoing debate over the NEP, particularly the three-language policy, which has been met with strong opposition from Tamil Nadu. Kanimozhi clarified that Tamil Nadu representatives had previously expressed their concerns about the policy. "In our meeting, we clearly stated that we have issues with the NEP and cannot accept it in full, as the three-language policy is unacceptable to the people of Tamil Nadu," she emphasized.