Union minister L Murugan responded to Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister Udhayanidhi Stalin’s recent remarks about Hindi imposition by questioning Stalin’s commitment to Tamil identity. Murugan pointedly asked if “Udhayanidhi Stalin” is a Tamil name, suggesting that the DMK should focus on using Tamil names within their own family. He emphasized that no one is being forced to learn Hindi in Tamil Nadu and that those interested in learning it should be free to do so.
Murugan criticized the DMK for what he described as their inconsistency on social justice issues, accusing them of misleading the public for political reasons. He praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for promoting Tamil on the global stage, in contrast to Chief Minister MK Stalin, whom he accused of misrepresenting the central government’s intentions.
Udhayanidhi’s original comments were made during a public event in Dindigul, where he alleged that attempts were being made to indirectly impose Hindi in Tamil Nadu, citing the omission of the word “Dravidam” from the Tamil Thai Vaazhthu at a recent Doordarshan event as an example. He vowed to protect Tamil culture and language, emphasizing that neither Dravidam, Tamil, nor Tamil Nadu could be undermined.
The language debate intensified after CM MK Stalin wrote to PM Modi, criticizing the celebration of Hindi Month in Chennai and accusing the government of undermining regional languages. The controversy further escalated when the omission of the word “Dravidam” at the event, presided over by Governor RN Ravi, led to protests. The DMK, along with other opposition parties, condemned the incident, viewing it as part of an ongoing effort to impose Hindi on the state.
Governor RN Ravi defended himself, stating that he proudly recites the Tamil Thai Vaazhthu at every event and accused the DMK of twisting the facts. Murugan echoed this defense, accusing the DMK of spreading false narratives to manipulate public sentiment.
