Andhra Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan criticizes Tamil Nadu politicians for 'hypocrisy' on Hindi

Pawan Kalyan, the leader of the Janasena Party and the Deputy Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, criticized Tamil Nadu politicians on March 14 for their claimed "hypocrisy" in imposing Hindi on the state.

Despite their opposition to Hindi, he pointed out, the same officials permit Tamil films to be dubbed in the language for commercial benefit.

"I do not understand why some criticize Sanskrit. Why do Tamil Nadu politicians oppose Hindi while allowing their movies to be dubbed in Hindi for financial gain? They want money from Bollywood but refuse to accept Hindi—what kind of logic is that?" Kalyan questioned while addressing the party's 12th foundation day at Pithampuram in Kakinada.

Kalyan's remarks coincide with Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin protesting the Union government's refusal to adopt the three-language formula outlined in the NEP and accusing it of "Hindi imposition."

India requires more than two main languages, including Tamil, Kalyan added, highlighting the country's linguistic variety.

"India needs multiple languages, including Tamil, not just two. We must embrace linguistic diversity—not only to maintain the integrity of our nation but also to foster love and unity among its people," Kalyan said.

Superstar Chiranjeevi also supported his speech, saying, “My dear brother @PawanKalyan, I was mesmerized by your speech at the Jana Sena Jayakethanam Sabha. Just like the vast sea of people who attended the gathering, my heart was overwhelmed with emotion. My faith has only grown stronger that a leader who can fulfill the aspirations of the people has arrived. I bless you so that your victorious journey continues without obstacles, driven by the spirit of public welfare. Heartfelt best wishes to all the Jana Sainiks!”

Pawan Kalyan's comments come after Stalin called the NEP a "saffronized policy" that was meant to promote Hindi rather than develop India on March 13. He claimed that the proposal poses a threat to the educational system in Tamil Nadu.

"National Education Policy is not education policy; it is saffronized policy. The policy was not created to develop India but to develop Hindi. We are opposing the policy, as that would destroy the Tamil Nadu education system completely," Stalin said in Tiruvallur.

Stalin also charged that the government was pressuring the state to implement the NEP by withholding funds.

"We are asking for your tax share, which we paid with our efforts. What is the problem with this? Is it fair to threaten without releasing funds for the welfare of 43 lakh schools? As we didn't accept NEP, they are refusing to release funds that belong to Tamil Nadu," he said.

"We would have welcomed the scheme if it brought everyone into education. But is NEP like that? NEP has all the factors that remove people from education. This is how this policy is, and that's why we are opposing it," he added.