'When they feel their vote bank is at risk, they try to create divisions': UP CM Yogi Adityanath targets MK Stalin on three-language row

NEW DELHI: Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed strong disapproval of Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin's stance on the three-language policy, describing it as restrictive political manoeuvring.
During his ANI interview, Adityanath stated that Stalin's actions stem from concerns about his electoral support, leading to attempts to create regional and linguistic divisions. He acknowledged Tamil's position as one of India's oldest languages, noting its significant cultural heritage.
Adityanath questioned the resistance towards Hindi, suggesting the importance of learning multiple languages.

Addressing the opposition to Hindi in Tamil Nadu, the chief minister of the Hindi-speaking state said, "The country should not be divided on the basis of language or region. We are grateful to Prime Minister Modi ji for organizing 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 stated that languages serve to unite rather than separate people, advocating for a more inclusive approach.
"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," CM Yogi Adityanath said.
He noted the inclusion of South Indian languages in Uttar Pradesh universities, questioning why Hindi cannot receive similar treatment in Tamil Nadu.
"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," the Uttar Pradesh CM said.
The language dispute has resulted in disagreement between central authorities and Tamil Nadu's government regarding NEP 2020 implementation. Adityanath dismissed Stalin's delimitation concerns as politically motivated.
"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 inaugural Joint Action Committee (JAC), under Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin's leadership, requested the central government to avoid penalising states that have successfully implemented population control measures.
The committee passed a resolution regarding delimitation, highlighting concerns about insufficient clarity from the Union government.