Remarks made by Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam on migrant workers from northern states and the state’s language policy have sparked a political controversy, reigniting the long-standing Hindi versus regional language debate ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections.
Speaking at a public event, the minister said that people from northern India who “have learnt only Hindi” often have limited job opportunities in Tamil Nadu and tend to work in low-paying roles. He contrasted this with students from Tamil Nadu, saying the state’s **two-language policy—Tamil and English—**has helped many secure global employment opportunities.
The comments, which linked migrant workers to specific occupations, drew sharp criticism from opposition leaders and parties across states, who described them as insensitive and divisive.
Minister Defends Two-Language Policy
Panneerselvam said that Tamil Nadu’s emphasis on Tamil and English has enabled students to access international education and employment opportunities, particularly in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom. His remarks were framed as a defence of the state’s long-standing opposition to compulsory Hindi education.
However, excerpts from the speech circulated widely on social media, triggering backlash for allegedly stereotyping migrant workers and undervaluing their contributions.
DMK Responds After Backlash
Following the criticism, leaders from the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) attempted to clarify the party’s position. Party spokesperson Dr Syed Hafeezullah said there is “dignity in every form of legal work” and emphasised that the DMK does not oppose Hindi speakers or migrant labour.
He said the minister’s remarks were intended to highlight the benefits of Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy and its focus on English as a gateway to global opportunities, rather than to demean any community.
DMK Lok Sabha MP TR Baalu said the minister had been misquoted and that no disrespect towards people from northern states was intended. He reiterated the party’s opposition to what it describes as “Hindi imposition”.
Opposition Leaders React
The controversy drew responses from leaders across party lines. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said Tamil Nadu’s economy relies significantly on migrant labour from other states and stressed that such workers are welcome and safe in the state, calling the remarks irresponsible.
Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad termed the statement insulting and said it reflected poorly on inter-state harmony. JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha said people from northern states have contributed to economic growth across the country and should not be stereotyped.
Language Policy Debate Resurfaces
The row comes amid renewed debate over the three-language formula under the National Education Policy (NEP), which Tamil Nadu has opposed, arguing that it could lead to Hindi imposition. The state continues to follow a two-language system—Tamil and English—in government schools.
At a recent industry summit, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa reiterated that the state does not oppose the use of Hindi but has a responsibility to protect and promote Tamil, noting that people from diverse linguistic backgrounds live and work in the state without conflict.
