Stalin Warns TVK Government Over Hindi Signboard Row in Tamil Nadu

DMK president MK Stalin has issued a strong warning to the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) government, cautioning against any actions that could undermine Tamil Nadu’s established two-language policy. This intervention follows the discovery of Hindi text alongside Tamil and English on a newly installed highway signboard in Thoothukudi district. In response, the Tamil Nadu government promptly removed the Hindi text and suspended two Highways Department officials responsible.

Stalin questioned the state government's role, stating on X (formerly Twitter), "Until now, Tamil Nadu has been facing the Union government’s Hindi imposition. Now, it seems the state government itself is doing that job." He further speculated if this was a "test the waters" attempt by the TVK government. The DMK leader also criticized the TVK's "reels administration" and delivered a direct message: "Two-language policy is Tamil Nadu’s life policy. Don’t play with it."

The controversial signboard was located on the Sathankulam-Nazareth State Highway (SH-93). The suspended officials, an Assistant Divisional Engineer and an Assistant Engineer, face departmental proceedings for acting contrary to the state’s two-language policy. Tamil Nadu has upheld a two-language policy of Tamil and English since 1968, consistently resisting Hindi imposition, making this a politically sensitive issue.

What to watch: The ongoing political discourse and adherence to Tamil Nadu's language policy by the state government.

Editor's note: The article accurately summarizes the political controversy, the specific actions taken by the government, and the context of the two-language policy.

This article is AI-generated and fact-gated. Original reporting: News18 India