Tamil Nadu's Opposition clashes with Centre over three-language policy; Speaker Om Birla urges discipline
Stormy Start to Budget Session: DMK Protests Force Lok Sabha Adjournment
BNH NETWORK
New Delhi - The Lok Sabha proceedings were thrown into chaos on Monday as Members of Parliament from the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) stormed into the well of the House, protesting against the implementation of the New Education Policy (NEP) in Tamil Nadu. Despite repeated appeals by Speaker Om Birla for order, the uproar forced an adjournment till 12 noon.
The protest erupted during the first day of the second phase of the Budget Session, where Speaker Om Birla had earlier urged all political parties to ensure a smooth Question Hour. However, the DMK MPs vociferously opposed the Centre’s push for the NEP, particularly its three-language formula, which they claim is an attempt to impose Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states.
As the commotion escalated, Speaker Om Birla repeatedly called for decorum, urging the MPs to return to their seats. However, the persistent sloganeering and disruptions led to the adjournment of the House.
Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Hits Back
Responding to the protests, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched a scathing attack on the DMK, calling their actions “uncivilised and undemocratic.”
“They are not committed to the welfare of Tamil Nadu’s students. By opposing the New Education Policy, they are ruining their future. They are dishonest to the people of Tamil Nadu,” Pradhan asserted.
The NEP, which aims to overhaul the education system in India, has been a contentious issue in Tamil Nadu, where political parties, including the DMK, have staunchly opposed any move perceived as an imposition of Hindi. The state has historically followed a two-language policy and resisted the Centre’s attempts to introduce Hindi as a mandatory language.
Political Reactions and Road Ahead
The DMK’s protest is expected to intensify in the coming days, with party leaders hinting at more demonstrations both inside and outside Parliament. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin has previously called the NEP “unacceptable” and vowed to protect the state’s linguistic and cultural identity.
Meanwhile, BJP leaders have defended the NEP, arguing that it provides students with greater flexibility and global opportunities by promoting multilingual learning. They have accused the DMK of playing politics over education reforms for electoral gains.
With the Budget Session already off to a turbulent start, all eyes will be on whether the government and Opposition can find common ground or if parliamentary disruptions will continue to stall key legislative business.
