Stalin backs Thackeray rally, says pushback against Hindi imposition now a ‘storm of protest’

He also challenged the often-repeated claim that learning Hindi will help people get jobs, saying this argument ignores the economic conditions in Hindi-speaking states.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has strongly backed the recent rally led by Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray opposing the three-language policy, calling it a sign that the fight against Hindi imposition is gaining ground across state borders.

On Saturday, the two Thackeray cousins, who have not shared a stage since 2005, came together for the ‘Voice of Marathi’ rally in Mumbai. The event celebrated the Maharashtra government’s decision to withdraw two government orders linked to implementing the three-language rule under the National Education Policy (NEP).

“Language rights protest is now a storm”: Stalin

Reacting on X (formerly Twitter), Stalin said the movement to protect language rights, long championed by Tamil Nadu, is now being echoed in Maharashtra.

இந்தித் திணிப்பை முறியடிக்க திராவிட முன்னேற்றக் கழகமும், தமிழ்நாட்டு மக்களும் தலைமுறை தலைமுறையாக நடத்திவரும் மொழி உரிமைப் போர், மாநில எல்லைகளைக் கடந்து இப்போது மராட்டியத்தில் போராட்டச் சூறாவளியாகச் சுழன்றடித்துக் கொண்டிருக்கிறது. தமிழ்நாட்டுப் பள்ளிகளில் மூன்றாவது மொழியாக…

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) July 5, 2025

“The language rights struggle, waged generation after generation by the DMK and the people of Tamil Nadu to defeat Hindi imposition, has now transcended state boundaries and is swirling like a storm of protest in Maharashtra,” he wrote.

The DMK chief, who has consistently rejected the Centre’s push for the three-language formula, argued that the BJP-led government is using education policy to indirectly impose Hindi and Sanskrit on non-Hindi speaking states like Tamil Nadu.

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Stalin questions Centre’s “vindictive” denial of funds

Stalin further criticised the Centre for withholding Rs 2,152 crore in education funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, allegedly because Tamil Nadu refused to adopt the new education policy.

“Will the Union government release the funds legally owed for the education of Tamil Nadu’s schoolchildren, or will it continue its vindictive stance?” he asked.

He also challenged the often-repeated claim that learning Hindi will help people get jobs, saying this argument ignores the economic conditions in Hindi-speaking states.

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“Why didn’t Hindi help them progress?” asks Raj Thackeray

Stalin praised Raj Thackeray’s speech at the rally, particularly his pointed questions to the Centre.

“Hindi-speaking states are economically backward. People are migrating from these states to non-Hindi speaking states. Why didn’t Hindi help them progress?” Raj had asked during the rally.

He also questioned what the third language would be in Hindi-majority states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, highlighting what he called the policy’s double standards.

Tamil Nadu will fight and win, says Stalin

Stalin accused the BJP of trying to “turn India into a Hindi nation” and took a dig at local political voices in Tamil Nadu who support the three-language policy.

“Some naive individuals parrot phrases like ‘learning Hindi will get you jobs’. They must reform now. The uprising in Maharashtra will open their eyes to wisdom!” he said.

Reaffirming Tamil Nadu’s commitment to its two-language policy of Tamil and English, Stalin signed off with a clear message: “Tamil Nadu will fight and win.”

He ended his post with the hashtag #StopHindiImposition.