Tamil Nadu vs Centre: Language War Escalates

Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin criticizes the central government for accusing the state of being 'uncivilized'. Amid ongoing disputes over the New Education Policy, Stalin defends Tamil Nadu's cultural integrity. Union ministers have accused Tamil Nadu of resisting the three-language policy and politicizing language issues.

Tensions have intensified between Tamil Nadu and the central government following sharp comments from Tamil Nadu's Deputy Chief Minister, Udhayanidhi Stalin. He denounced recent accusations by central ministers labeling Tamil Nadu as 'uncivilized' and defended the state's cultural pride.

This latest clash stems from Union ministers Dharmendra Pradhan and Nirmala Sitharaman's remarks in Parliament. Stalin accused them of disrespecting Tamil Nadu and its influential leader, Periyar, while Sitharaman critiqued the DMK for revering a man who reportedly dismissed Tamil as 'barbaric'.

The discord is further fueled by ongoing disagreements over the New Education Policy and the proposed three-language policy. State Minister Palanivel Thiagarajan criticized the policy as impractical, citing insufficient funding. In contrast, BJP's Tamil Nadu President K Annamalai defended its benefits, condemning the state's opposition as political maneuvering.

(With inputs from agencies.)