Stalin defends fight against three-language formula: 'Demanding linguistic equality not chauvinism'

Stalin proposes that the 1971 Census be the basis for delimitation of Parliamentary constituencies for 30 years starting 2026

Amid Hindi imposition row through a three-language policy, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Thursday said demanding linguistic equality is not chauvinism.

“Demanding #LinguisticEquality is not chauvinism. Do you want to know what Chauvinism looks like? Chauvinism is naming the three criminal laws that govern 140 crore citizens in a language that Tamils cannot even pronounce or comprehend by reading. Chauvinism is treating the state that contributes the most to the nation as second-class citizens and denying its fair share for refusing to swallow the poison called #NEP,” the CM said in a long post on X.

"When you are accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression." I am reminded of this famous quote when some entitled bigots brand us chauvinists and anti-nationals for the 'crime' of demanding Tamils rightful place in Tamil Nadu. The very people who glorify pic.twitter.com/MOzmUSEyia

M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 6, 2025

He also used the popular quote often attributed to entertainment mogul Franklin Leonard: "When you are accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression." According to Slatin, he was reminded of this quote when “some entitled bigots brand us chauvinists and anti-nationals for the 'crime' of demanding Tamil’s rightful place in Tamil Nadu”.

The Tamil Nadu CM said imposition of anything breeds enmity. “Enmity threatens unity. Hence, the true chauvinists and anti-nationals are the Hindi zealots who believe their entitlement is natural but our resistance is treason,” he said on X.

Stalin recently upped the ante on alleged Hindi imposition by the BJP-led central government through the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP). Tamil Nadu has been opposing the policy, fearing Hindi dominance over regional languages. Meanwhile, the BJP has maintained that the NEP's focus is on promoting all Indian languages.

Stalin on Wednesday proposed that the 1971 Census be the basis for delimitation of Parliamentary constituencies for 30 years starting 2026 and favoured a Joint Action Committee (JAC) involving all southern states to press for related demands.

The all-party meeting on delimitation was attended by main opposition AIADMK among others, Stalin, moving a resolution, said that in the event of increase in the number of seats in Parliament, the 1971 Census should be the basis for it and that appropriate Constitutional amendment should be done. Also, the 1971 population data should be the basis for delimitation of LS seats for 30 years from 2026 and Prime Minister Narendra Modi should make an assurance in the Parliament, he asserted.

The JAC is to take forward such demands and create awareness among the people and the meet unanimously opposed delimitation exercise based on population, which will be a "threat to federalism and the rights of southern states to political representation." Tamil Nadu's present representational percentage in Parliament, which is 7.18, should not be changed under any circumstances.