Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 5: The ongoing controversy surrounding the three-language formula has sparked a major political row, with the BJP-led Centre and the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government locking horns over the issue. With the second phase of the Budget session of Parliament set to begin on March 10, tensions within the INDIA Bloc are becoming increasingly apparent, as the Congress remains non-committal on the matter.

The DMK, a crucial ally of the opposition coalition, has been vocal in its resistance to the Centre’s language policy, viewing it as an imposition of Hindi on Tamil Nadu’s education system. However, the Congress’s silence on the matter has raised concerns about potential cracks in the opposition front, particularly at a time when unity is crucial ahead of the upcoming elections.

Tamil Nadu, a state with a long history of opposing Hindi imposition, has maintained a two-language policy, where only Tamil and English are taught in state board schools. The three-language formula proposed under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has been met with stiff resistance from the DMK, which alleges that the Centre is using education as a tool to push its linguistic agenda.

Speaking to Daijiworld, DMK spokesperson TKS Elangovan reiterated the party’s firm stand. “We have a law passed in 1968 that allows only Tamil and English in our schools. We are not against three languages in CBSE schools, but in our state board, we will not accept any imposition of Hindi. No schools in Uttar Pradesh or Rajasthan teach Tamil. If the Centre wants to enforce a three-language policy, then let every school in India introduce Tamil as well,” he stated.

Countering the DMK’s claims, BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh defended the promotion of Hindi, asserting that the language plays a crucial role in uniting the country. “The Constitution recognises 14 languages, and Hindi is our national language. It is a link that binds us together.

Singh accused regional parties of using language politics to create divisions for electoral gains. “Many regional parties thrive on language and caste politics. Instead of fostering unity, they use linguistic identity to serve their own political interests,” he added.

Amidst this heated debate, the Congress has so far refrained from taking a definitive stand, leading to speculation about its strategy. The party’s reluctance to firmly support or oppose the three-language formula has created unease within the INDIA Bloc, particularly among its southern allies.

However, Congress spokesperson Udit Raj took a direct swipe at the BJP, alleging that the push for Hindi is part of a broader political strategy. “The BJP uses language and religion as tools for its own benefit. They impose Hindi but marginalise Urdu, which has existed in India for centuries. How did Urdu suddenly become the language of only one community?” he questioned.

With the Budget session around the corner, the Congress’s stance on this issue will be closely watched. Its decision could shape the opposition’s collective response to the Centre’s policies and determine the stability of the INDIA Bloc. Whether the Congress aligns itself with the DMK’s opposition or adopts a middle path remains to be seen, but the political ramifications of this dispute are likely to be significant.