DMK Protests In Parliament Over NEP, Three-Language Policy; Demands Apology From Dharmendra Pradhan – News18

Last Updated:March 11, 2025, 12:08 IST

DMK MPs staged a protest in Parliament against the NEP, the three-language policy, and Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s remarks on Tamil Nadu.

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) MPs, led by Kanimozhi, staged a protest in Parliament on Tuesday against the National Education Policy (NEP), the three-language policy, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s recent remarks in Parliament. The DMK strongly opposes the NEP, particularly the three-language formula, alleging it is an attempt to impose Hindi on Tamil Nadu.

DMK MP Kanimozhi accused the Centre of jeopardising the future of Tamil Nadu’s students by linking central funds to the adoption of the NEP and three-language policy.

“The Union Government is withholding the funds meant for Tamil Nadu, insisting that we sign the three-language policy and implement NEP. This is destroying the future of our children. The Centre has no right to withhold these funds,” Kanimozhi said.

She also demanded an apology from Dharmendra Pradhan for his alleged “abusive” response to DMK MPs in Parliament.

“He said we are dishonest and that the people of Tamil Nadu are uncivilised. This is undemocratic and unacceptable,” she added.

Congress MP K Suresh also criticised the Centre over the NEP, claiming that the policy was implemented without proper consultation with state governments or academicians.

“This is a serious issue. The Union Government introduced the NEP without the consent of state governments. Their real aim is to saffronise the education system. The DMK has always opposed the three-language policy, but the Centre disregarded their stand,” Suresh said.

The controversy escalated after a heated exchange between Dharmendra Pradhan and the DMK MPs during Question Hour in Parliament on Monday. Pradhan reportedly called the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government “dishonest” and accused them of “ruining the future of Tamil Nadu students” by refusing to implement the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme.

He further remarked that the DMK was “undemocratic and uncivilised” for creating language barriers and refusing to accept the NEP.

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Reacting sharply to Pradhan’s statement, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin condemned the Union Minister’s remarks, calling them an “insult to the people of Tamil Nadu.” In a post on X, Stalin said, “Pradhan’s arrogant remarks are unacceptable. Disrespecting the people of Tamil Nadu shows his arrogance and lack of responsibility.” Stalin also demanded an apology from Pradhan for his comments.

Following the remarks, DMK MPs staged a walkout and protested in Parliament, resulting in the adjournment of the Lok Sabha session. They reiterated their demand for the Centre to retract the three-language policy and release the pending central funds to Tamil Nadu without conditions.

(With inputs from ANI)