'It is saffron policy': Tamil Nadu CM M K Stalin blasts NEP, vows to gather whole India against BJP's fascism

NEW DELHI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Wednesday criticized the National Education Policy (NEP), calling it a "saffron policy" and alleging that it is aimed at promoting Hindi rather than the country's overall development.
"National Education Policy is not education policy; it is saffron policy. The policy is not created to develop India but to develop Hindi. We are opposing the policy as it would destroy the Tamil Nadu education system completely," Stalin said while addressing a rally at Thiruvallur.
He also claimed that NEP does not recognize reservation, which he described as social justice. "NEP denies assistance amount to SCs, STs, and Other Backward Classes," he alleged during the public meeting.
Stalin further accused the central government of withholding Tamil Nadu’s share of funds because the state did not adopt NEP. "We are asking for your tax share, which we paid with our efforts. What is the problem with this? Is it fair to threaten without releasing funds for the welfare of 43 lakh schools? As we didn't accept NEP, they are refusing to release funds that belong to Tamil Nadu. We would have welcomed the scheme if it brought everyone into education. But is NEP like that? NEP has all the factors that remove people from education. This is how this policy is, and that's why we are opposing it," he said.
The point of contention in the debate over NEP is its three-language formula, which Tamil Nadu fears could lead to the imposition of Hindi in the state. Stalin earlier argued that the policy gives preference to Hindi over regional languages, affecting the state's autonomy and linguistic diversity.
The central government, however, insists that the NEP is designed to encourage multilingualism and provide flexibility in language education. Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan has refuted claims of Hindi imposition, stating that the policy allows states to decide on their preferred languages.
On the issue of delimitation, Stalin alleged that the BJP is trying to increase the number of MPs in states where it has influence to strengthen its position. "BJP is attempting to sustain power by winning in northern states," he said.
He further added, "BJP is trying to increase the number of MPs in states of their influence and develop the party. DMK will stop it."
Stalin also alleged that the BJP wants to destroy the federal structure, adding that "they will never be submissive to the BJP's fascism even if we lose our lives."
"Let's gather whole India against BJP fascism. BJP's casteist thoughts neglect social justice to our people and destroy communal harmony. If we fail to stop this now, then it can't be stopped ever. Let's gather India as a team under social justice, federalism, secularism, and state rights. If we gather like a team, then only India can be saved," he said.