‘Get out Stalin’ vs ‘Get out Modi’: Political war over NEP sparks online campaigns

Delhi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Friday escalated the ongoing language controversy, responding sharply to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s call to “rise above politics.” Stalin reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy—Tamil and English—and warned the Central Government against imposing Hindi in the state. The dispute reignited after Stalin opposed linking centrally sponsored programs with the National Education Policy (NEP), urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene. However, Pradhan dismissed the allegations, stating that the NEP does not mandate Hindi imposition and accused Stalin of playing politics in education.

Stalin’s strong response: “Don’t throw stones at a beehive”

Rejecting Pradhan’s stance, Stalin accused the Centre of coercing Tamil Nadu into adopting the three-language formula, which includes Hindi. He called out the BJP-led government for allegedly withholding state funds to force compliance. "Is blackmailing states into accepting the trilingual policy not politics? Is imposing Hindi under NEP not politics? Is converting a multilingual and plural country into a single-language nation not politics?" Stalin questioned. He further warned the Centre, stating: “I caution the Centre—don’t throw stones at a beehive. Don’t test the fighting spirit of Tamils. As long as I and the DMK exist, no activities against Tamil, Tamil Nadu, and its people will be allowed.”

Udhayanidhi Stalin backs two-language policy

Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin reaffirmed Tamil Nadu’s commitment to the two-language formula and demanded the state’s rightful share of central funds. Meanwhile, the political face-off between DMK and BJP escalated further as the #GetOutStalin campaign gained traction online, launched by Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai. The campaign, criticizing the DMK government’s alleged failures, was seen as a counter to Udhayanidhi Stalin’s recent remark that any attempt to curtail Tamil Nadu’s rights would lead to a “Get Out Modi” campaign.