The exchange follows Adityanath's interview with news agency ANI, where he accused Stalin of attempting to create divisions based on region and language, suggesting that such tactics stem from concerns over electoral support. Adityanath questioned the rationale behind opposing Hindi, emphasizing the importance of linguistic unity in the nation.
Responding on social media platform X, Stalin defended Tamil Nadu's commitment to its two-language policy and equitable delimitation, asserting that the state's firm stance has unsettled the Bharatiya Janata Party . He stated, "Tamil Nadu's fair and firm voice on #TwoLanguagePolicy and #FairDelimitation is echoing nationwide—and the BJP is clearly rattled. Just watch their leaders' interviews."
Stalin further addressed Adityanath's remarks on hate, remarking, "And now Hon'ble Yogi Adityanath wants to lecture us on hate? Spare us. This isn't irony—it's political black comedy at its darkest." He clarified that Tamil Nadu does not oppose any language but stands against "imposition and chauvinism," framing the issue as a "battle for dignity and justice."
The dispute centers around the National Education Policy 2020's recommendation of a three-language formula, which Tamil Nadu has resisted, favoring its longstanding two-language system comprising Tamil and English. The state's opposition is rooted in concerns over the imposition of Hindi and the preservation of its linguistic heritage.
The debate encompasses the forthcoming delimitation exercise, anticipated after 2026, which aims to redraw parliamentary constituencies based on demographic changes. Stalin has expressed apprehension that states like Tamil Nadu, which have effectively implemented population control measures, may face reduced representation in Parliament, potentially diminishing their political influence despite significant contributions to the nation's development.
In his interview, Adityanath underscored the unifying role of language, highlighting Tamil's ancient heritage and its significance alongside Sanskrit. He advocated for embracing linguistic diversity and cautioned against divisive politics that exploit regional and language differences.