Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin has reiterated his strong opposition to the three-language policy proposed under the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), stating that it will not be allowed in the state as long as the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) remains in power.
Addressing a public gathering in Madurai, Stalin declared that Tamil Nadu would continue to resist any attempt to introduce the policy, which he has consistently criticised as an effort that could lead to the imposition of Hindi.
Responding to the media after the meeting, Stalin reaffirmed, “As long as the DMK is in power, we will not allow the three-language policy in Tamil Nadu.”
The renewed debate follows the CBSE’s move to align its curriculum with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, under which a three-language formula is set to be implemented from the 2026–27 academic year. The framework proposes that students study three languages, with at least two being Indian languages. The policy has triggered strong political reactions in Tamil Nadu, where language has historically been a sensitive issue and where successive governments have followed a two-language system of Tamil and English.
Stalin has described the policy as a form of “linguistic imposition,” arguing that it indirectly favours Hindi over regional languages and undermines the cultural and linguistic identity of non-Hindi-speaking states. He has also challenged the Union government to clearly state its position on implementing the three-language system in Tamil Nadu, intensifying the ongoing political confrontation between the state and the Centre.
The issue has gained prominence ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, with language policy emerging as a key campaign theme.
Stalin, who is leading the DMK’s electoral campaign, also expressed strong confidence in his party’s prospects, asserting that the alliance is well-positioned for a sweeping victory across all 234 constituencies in the state. He stated, “The chances of victory look excellent. We will win all 234 constituencies.”
