Pawan Kalyan Enters Tamil Nadu Language Row, Accuses TN Of Hypocrisy

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has waded into the ongoing language debate, accusing Tamil Nadu of hypocrisy over its stance on Hindi. Speaking on his party's foundation day, the Janasena chief questioned why Tamil leaders oppose Hindi while allowing Tamil films to be dubbed into the language for financial gains.

"In Tamil Nadu, people oppose the imposition of Hindi. This makes me wonder—if they don't want Hindi, then why do they dub Tamil films in Hindi for financial gains? They want money from Bollywood but refuse to accept Hindi. What kind of logic is that?" Kalyan remarked.

Criticism of Tamil Nadu's Stance on Hindi

Kalyan also called it "unfair" that Tamil Nadu welcomes migrant labourers from Hindi-speaking states such as Uttar Pradesh and Bihar but continues to reject Hindi. Tamil Nadu is home to a significant number of migrant workers from states like Haryana, UP, Bihar, and West Bengal, with estimates placing the figure between 15-20 lakh.

"They want revenue from Hindi-speaking states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Chhattisgarh, yet they say they don't want Hindi. Isn't that unfair? They welcome workers from Bihar but reject the language. Why this contradiction? Shouldn't this mindset change?" he added.

Centre vs Tamil Nadu Over 'Three-Language Formula'

Kalyan's remarks come amid an escalating Centre-Tamil Nadu dispute over the New Education Policy (NEP) and its three-language formula. The DMK-ruled Tamil Nadu has consistently opposed the imposition of Hindi, while the BJP-led Centre argues that multilingual education enhances job opportunities.

The language row intensified after the Centre withheld ₹2,152 crore meant for Tamil Nadu’s Samagra Shiksha scheme, citing the state’s refusal to implement the NEP. Tamil Nadu has long maintained that the three-language formula is an attempt to impose Hindi, while the Centre insists that it is designed to broaden employment prospects across different regions.