Synopsis
Annamalai shared a video that allegedly shows a DMK leader stealing a bangle during an anti-Hindi pledge. This came amid DMK’s criticism of the BJP-led union government over language imposition and fund allocation. Tamil Nadu CM Stalin accused the Centre of favoring Hindi and Sanskrit while neglecting Tamil, calling it an enemy of the language.
Tamil Nadu BJP state president K Annamalai on Wednesday shared a video claiming that a DMK leader was caught stealing a woman’s bangle while participating in a protest against Hindi imposition. Annamalai posted the video on X, stating, “Mr. Zakir Hussain, DMK councilor of Ward 25 of Coonoor Municipal Council, steals bangles under the guise of anti-Hindi. ‘Thirutta’ (thief) and DMK can never be separated!”
The footage shows a person attempting to push away the DMK leader’s hand as he seemingly tries to remove the bangle. Despite resistance, the leader allegedly makes another attempt to take it.
Since Annamalai’s post went live, the video has sparked reactions, with many demanding a response from the ruling DMK government.
DMK’s Stand on Hindi Imposition and Fund Allocation
The incident comes amid ongoing political tensions between the DMK and the BJP over issues such as language policy and fund allocations. The DMK has been vocal against what it calls the Centre’s push for Hindi and Sanskrit dominance.
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin has accused the BJP-led central government of neglecting Tamil and other regional languages. “The union government, out-and-out, is functioning with a feeling of linguistic hegemony and pays mere lip service to Tamil for the sake of votes,” Stalin alleged.
In a message to party workers as part of his series on “all-time opposition to Hindi imposition,” Stalin cited DMK founder C N Annadurai’s stance that their goal is not to oppose Hindi but to ensure equal recognition for all Indian languages, including Tamil.
Disparity in Fund Allocation for Tamil and Sanskrit
Stalin also pointed to disparities in financial support for different languages. According to Union Education Ministry data, between 2014 and 2023, Rs 2,435 crore was allocated to the Central Sanskrit University and the National Sanskrit University. In contrast, only Rs 167 crore was allotted to the Central Institute of Classical Tamil.
He alleged that the Centre was attempting to “destroy” Tamil and other state languages through “languages of dominance,” referring to Hindi and Sanskrit.
The DMK has maintained that any effort to impose a language could have serious consequences, citing historical examples from around the world.
(With PTI inputs)
