NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai fired back at chief minister MK Stalin after the chief minister announced that the state was ready for “another language war”. Stalin called an all-party meeting on March 5 to discuss the Lok Sabha delimitation issue — the “threat” that Tamil Nau was going to lose eight seats because the state successfully implemented the family planning programme leading to population control.
Annamalai said the BJP may not attend the all-party meeting as he believes Stalin was now trying to “shift the narrative” with the “imaginary fear” regarding delimitation. “When TN CM Thiru MK Stalin knows the whole of TN has rejected their argument except a few paint-dabba carrying DMK cadres on the third language for our children studying in TN Govt schools similar to the schools run by TN CM’s family, he now wants to shift the narrative to his imaginary fear of TN losing in the Delimitation of seats,” Annamalai posted on X.
“What a shame & downfall for DMK!” he said.
“When our Hon PM Thiru @narendramodi avl had clearly said delimitation – if and when it happens – will be favourable to all, including the southern states, why this fear-mongering Thiru @mkstalin? Imaginary fears & stupid arguments have, of late, become TN CM’s arsenal!” Annamalai wrote.
Three-language policy, delimitation
When Stalin was asked if the March 5 meeting would discuss the three-language policy in light of the National Education Policy, Stalin said that to raise a voice in Parliament on these issues, adequate number of MPs was required. “Because, in the name of delimitation, a sword is hanging over southern states,” he said.
“Tamil Nadu succeeded in population control through the family planning programme. Just because population is less, there is a situation of the Lok Sabha seats being cut down (in TN). We stand to lose 8 seats and as a result, we would be having only 31 MPs, and not the 39 (present number),” he added.
“Our representation (in Parliament) will reduce, Tamil Nadu’s voice is being stifled. This is a matter of Tamil Nadu’s rights. All leaders and political parties should jointly speak across party lines on the issue,” the CM added.
DMK has been opposing the three-language policy and insisted that the state would continue with Tamil and English resisting the push for Hindi from the BJP-led NDA government.
On the issue question of Hindi imposition, Stalin said Tamil Nadu is ready for another language war if necessary — in reference to the anti-Hindi agitation of 1965.