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Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on February 26, 2025, became a focal point of political discourse, centered around the contentious issue of language and the sharpening of attacks against the ruling DMK (Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam) government. The backdrop of this visit was the ongoing debate surrounding the perceived imposition of Hindi in the southern state, particularly in the context of the National Education Policy 2020 and its three-language formula. Shah's address, delivered in Hindi, was prefaced by an apology for his inability to speak in Tamil, acknowledging its status as one of the world's oldest languages. This gesture, while seemingly conciliatory, was strategically significant, recognizing the sensitivities surrounding linguistic identity in Tamil Nadu. The DMK, under the leadership of MK Stalin, has been a staunch opponent of the three-language policy, advocating for the state's existing two-language formula, which prioritizes Tamil and English. This stance reflects a broader concern about the potential marginalization of regional languages and the imposition of a linguistic hegemony by the central government. Shah's apology can therefore be interpreted as an attempt to address these concerns, albeit within the framework of a broader political strategy aimed at undermining the DMK's influence in the state.
Beyond the linguistic nuances, Shah's visit was marked by a vigorous assault on the DMK government, accusing it of being 'anti-national' and predicting its ouster from power in the 2026 state assembly elections. He confidently asserted that the NDA (National Democratic Alliance) government, led by the BJP, would then be formed in Tamil Nadu, ushering in a new era for the state. This bold declaration reflects the BJP's ambition to expand its footprint in southern India, a region where it has historically faced challenges in gaining significant political traction. Shah's pronouncements also included pledges to eliminate family politics, corruption, and 'anti-national activities' from Tamil Nadu, framing the DMK as embodying these undesirable elements. This rhetoric aligns with the BJP's broader strategy of targeting regional parties, often accusing them of dynastic rule and corrupt practices, while presenting itself as a champion of good governance and national unity. The accusation of being 'anti-national' is particularly potent, carrying significant weight in the current political climate and serving to delegitimize the DMK in the eyes of certain segments of the electorate. However, it is a charge that the DMK has vehemently denied, arguing that its commitment to regional autonomy and social justice should not be equated with disloyalty to the nation.
Shah's address also sought to counter the DMK's narrative that the central government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has been neglecting Tamil Nadu. He asserted that the Modi government has, in fact, allocated substantial funds for the development of the state and the promotion of Tamil language and culture. He specifically pointed to the disparity in financial assistance provided to Tamil Nadu during the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) era (2004-2014) compared to the NDA government's tenure. Shah cited figures indicating a significant increase in grants-in-aid and devolution to the state under the Modi government, along with substantial investments in infrastructure development. This statistical counter-offensive was clearly designed to undermine the DMK's claims of neglect and to portray the central government as being actively engaged in the progress and prosperity of Tamil Nadu. Furthermore, Shah addressed the contentious issue of delimitation, the process of redefining parliamentary constituencies based on population figures. He rejected the DMK's concerns that Tamil Nadu would lose Lok Sabha seats as a result of delimitation, assuring the people of the state that their representation in parliament would not be diminished. This issue is particularly sensitive in the context of perceived regional imbalances and the potential for southern states, which have generally experienced lower population growth rates compared to northern states, to lose political influence.
The impending delimitation process, anticipated to take place the following year, has become a key point of contention between the DMK and the BJP-led central government. The DMK fears that the redrawing of constituency boundaries based on the population census could disproportionately affect southern states like Tamil Nadu, leading to a reduction in their representation in the Lok Sabha. This concern stems from the fact that southern states have historically implemented population control measures more effectively than their northern counterparts, resulting in lower birth rates. As a consequence, a delimitation exercise based solely on population figures could penalize these states for their progress in family planning. Shah's assurance that Tamil Nadu would not lose any parliamentary seats was therefore aimed at allaying these fears and mitigating the potential for political backlash. However, the DMK remains skeptical, arguing that the central government's assurances are insufficient and that concrete safeguards are needed to protect the interests of southern states in the delimitation process. The debate over delimitation highlights the broader tensions between regional autonomy and central authority in India, and underscores the importance of ensuring fair and equitable representation for all states in the national parliament.
In essence, Amit Shah's visit to Tamil Nadu was a multifaceted political maneuver, encompassing linguistic sensitivities, attacks on the ruling DMK, and assertions of central government support for the state. The language debate served as a backdrop for a broader political contest, with Shah seeking to undermine the DMK's influence and promote the BJP's agenda in the region. His apology for not speaking Tamil, while seemingly a gesture of goodwill, was strategically calculated to address concerns about linguistic imposition and to connect with the local population. The attacks on the DMK, accusing it of being 'anti-national' and corrupt, were designed to delegitimize the party and create an opening for the BJP to gain ground in the state. The emphasis on the central government's financial support for Tamil Nadu was intended to counter the DMK's narrative of neglect and to portray the BJP as a champion of the state's development. And the assurance regarding delimitation was aimed at allaying fears about potential losses in parliamentary representation. Overall, Shah's visit represents a significant escalation in the political competition between the BJP and the DMK in Tamil Nadu, with both parties vying for control of the state's political future. The outcome of this contest will have significant implications for the balance of power in Indian politics and the future of regional autonomy in the country.
Source: 'World's Oldest Language': Amit Shah Touches Upon Tamil Debate, Sharpens Attack On Stalin's DMK