Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a large gathering in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, on Sunday, launched a sharp and symbolic critique of the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government, particularly targeting Chief Minister MK Stalin, amid an ongoing and intensifying row over language, education policy, and federal relations. In a carefully worded yet impactful statement, Modi said that although he regularly receives letters from political leaders in Tamil Nadu, none of those letters are signed in the Tamil language—a language that the state's leaders claim to be deeply proud of.
“The government is constantly working to ensure that the Tamil language and its rich cultural heritage reach every corner of the world. But sometimes, I’m surprised when I receive letters from Tamil Nadu leaders—none are signed in Tamil. If we truly respect and feel proud of Tamil, then let us at least start by signing our names in Tamil script,” the Prime Minister remarked, subtly questioning the authenticity of the DMK’s oft-repeated claims of linguistic pride.
This comment by PM Modi touches a nerve in Tamil Nadu’s politics, where the Tamil identity and language are central to the state's socio-political narrative. The state has strongly opposed what it views as Hindi imposition, especially through the New Education Policy (NEP) introduced by the central government. The policy promotes a three-language formula, which the Tamil Nadu government believes undermines regional languages and dilutes Tamil culture and autonomy.
Adding to the language debate, the Prime Minister urged the Tamil Nadu government to consider starting medical education in Tamil. He said this would enable children, especially from marginalized and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to pursue careers in medicine without facing a language barrier.
“We have to empower our youth. I urge the Tamil Nadu government to start medical courses in Tamil so that even children from the poorest families can become doctors and serve the nation. In the past 10 years alone, Tamil Nadu has received 11 new medical colleges, which speaks to our commitment,” PM Modi stated.
He also used the occasion to refute the allegations made by the DMK that the Centre is deliberately withholding crucial funds from the state due to political differences. Recently, the Tamil Nadu government claimed that over ₹2,000 crore in education grants had been blocked because of the state’s refusal to implement the NEP.
In response, the Prime Minister denied these accusations, asserting that funding to Tamil Nadu has significantly increased under the BJP-led NDA government compared to previous regimes.
“The railway budget for Tamil Nadu has increased more than seven times in the past decade. Before 2014, it was only ₹900 crore. But now, in 2025, it has risen to over ₹6,000 crore. In addition, the Centre is modernising 77 railway stations, including the historic Rameswaram station, to improve connectivity and services for the people,” he added.
The Prime Minister was in Tamil Nadu to inaugurate the New Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical sea lift bridge, which is a symbol of modern engineering and improved infrastructure in the region. The bridge is expected to significantly boost tourism and trade in southern Tamil Nadu and across the Palk Strait.
The confrontation between the Centre and Tamil Nadu has been brewing for months, especially with general elections approaching. The DMK continues to position itself as a defender of Tamil rights and federalism, while the BJP is attempting to expand its presence in southern India by focusing on development and cultural respect, including global recognition for Tamil language and literature.
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