Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], March 26 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has criticised Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin over the three-language row, calling it ‘narrow politics’.

In an interview, CM Yogi alleged that Stalin was trying to create divisions based on region and language due to fears over his vote bank. He emphasised that language should serve to unite, not divide, and acknowledged Tamil as one of India’s oldest languages with a rich history and heritage.

Adityanath questioned the opposition to Hindi, stating that it is essential to learn every language.

‘The country should not be divided on the basis of language or region. We are grateful to Prime Minister Modi ji for organising the third generation of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi. Tamil is one of the oldest languages in India, and its history is as ancient as Sanskrit. Every Indian has respect and reverence for Tamil because many elements of Indian heritage are still alive in the language. So, why should we hate Hindi?’ he said.

He reiterated that no language divides; rather, languages unite. The Chief Minister urged a broader and more inclusive outlook.

‘I believe this is the message conveyed by our National Anthem as well. This is merely narrow politics. When these people feel their vote bank is at risk, they try to create divisions based on region and language. The people of this country should always be alert to such divisive politics and stand firm for the unity of the country,’ Adityanath added.

He further questioned why Hindi could not be taught in Tamil Nadu universities when multiple Indian and foreign languages were being taught in Uttar Pradesh.

‘I say that we should learn every language. We teach Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Malayalam at the universities in Uttar Pradesh. We are not only teaching these, but we are also teaching foreign languages at the universities in Uttar Pradesh. All of this has been implemented in the National Education Policy. If we can teach Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Marathi, and other languages in Uttar Pradesh's universities, then what is wrong with teaching Hindi in Tamil Nadu's universities? I believe we should adopt a broader perspective for the country,’ he said.

The three-language row has resulted in a deadlock between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government over the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Adityanath also dismissed Stalin’s concerns over delimitation, calling it a ‘political agenda’.

‘Look, the Home Minister has stated this very clearly on this matter. This is Stalin's political agenda under the guise of the meeting. I believe that after the Home Minister's statement, no questions should arise on this issue,’ he said.

On February 22, the first Joint Action Committee (JAC), led by Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin, urged the central government to ‘not penalise’ the states that have effectively implemented the population control programme.

The committee passed a resolution expressing concern over the ‘lack of transparency and clarity’ from the Union government on the issue of delimitation.

(ANI)