A day after resigning from the BJP, actor-turned-politician Ranjana Nachiyaar officially joined Vijay's Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Wednesday. The move comes during TVK's first-anniversary celebrations at a private resort in Mahabalipuram.

Nachiyaar, who had been with the BJP for eight years, cited "the imposition of the three-language policy," "hatred towards the Dravidian ideology," and "neglect of Tamil Nadu" as the primary reasons for her exit. In her resignation letter shared on X (formerly Twitter), she stated that Tamil Nadu’s prosperity is essential for the country’s progress and accused the BJP of failing to provide her with a conducive political environment.

Political Row Over Language Policy Erupts

Nachiyaar’s move has intensified the ongoing language debate in Tamil Nadu, with parties taking opposing stands on the New Education Policy (NEP) and the trilingual system.

AIADMK MP M Thambidurai Slams DMK’s Stance

Reacting to the controversy, AIADMK MP M Thambidurai criticized the DMK’s opposition to Hindi, alleging that the party is using the language issue for electoral gains.

Thambidurai’s Key Arguments:
The Tamil Nadu government opposes Hindi in schools but permits CBSE institutions, which follow the New Education Policy (NEP) and teach multiple languages.
If the DMK is serious about opposing Hindi, it should withdraw permission for all CBSE schools in the state.
The DMK is bringing up the language issue ahead of elections to gain votes and divert attention from governance issues.

“If Stalin is truly against the three-language system, why allow CBSE schools where multiple languages, including Hindi, are taught?” Thambidurai questioned.

DMK’s Strong Resistance Against Hindi Imposition

Meanwhile, the DMK continues to oppose the Centre’s language policies, arguing that they threaten Tamil identity.

DMK’s Protest Against the Trilingual Language System:

• On Monday, DMK cadres staged a protest near Trichy Central Bus Stand, distributing pamphlets to rally opposition against the three-language policy.
• The party insists on maintaining Tamil and English as the only languages in state schools.

DMK Spokesperson TKS Elangovan’s Statement:

• Accused the central government of attempting to impose religious ideologies through education.
• Warned that the New Education Policy could dilute Tamil Nadu’s cultural and linguistic heritage.

The Bigger Picture: Language and Politics in Tamil Nadu

The language debate has been a recurring political flashpoint in Tamil Nadu for decades. The state has consistently resisted Hindi imposition, with Dravidian parties leading the charge against the Centre’s three-language formula.

With elections approaching, the language issue has once again taken center stage, fueling debates on linguistic identity, education policy, and political strategies. While the BJP’s three-language policy aims for a uniform education system across India, Tamil Nadu’s regional parties see it as a cultural imposition.

With Ranjana Nachiyaar’s defection and political tensions rising, the language debate is likely to remain a hot-button issue in the state’s electoral landscape.

What do you think? Is the language issue being used as a political tool, or is it a genuine concern for Tamil Nadu’s identity? Let us know in the comments!