CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin took to social media website X to remind citizens about the 1967 Tamil language demonstrations. He called upon the state’s residents to oppose what he described as Hindi imposition.
Stalin shared an image of his predecessor Annadurai whilst referencing the significant Anti-Hindi protests that occurred in the state during 1967.

“1967: Anna sat down; Tamil Nadu rose! If any harm comes to the proud Tamil Nadu, let us roar like wildfire! Let us celebrate the victory!” he posted on social media website X, drawing parallels between past struggles and current challenges.
In a separate post on X, Stalin strongly opposed the imposition of Hindi and reaffirmed Tamil’s rightful status. Citing a well-known quote, he defended the importance of the Tamil language, Stalin stated, “When you are accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression.”

He further reminded the public of the accusations leveled against his party, the DMK, by certain critics. “Some entitled bigots brand us chauvinists and anti-nationals for the ‘crime’ of demanding Tamil’s rightful place in Tamil Nadu,” Stalin added.
The chief minister strongly condemned individuals who he claimed celebrate and promote the ideological beliefs held by Nathuram Godse.
“The very people who glorify Godse’s ideology have the audacity to question the patriotism of DMK and its government,” Stalin remarked, highlighting the significant contributions Tamil Nadu has made in past national efforts, including the Chinese Aggression, the Bangladesh Liberation War, and the Kargil War. He also reminded critics that their ideological forefather assassinated Mahatma Gandhi,” he said.
Stalin asserted that advocating for equal language rights does not constitute chauvinism. He pointed out that genuine chauvinism manifests when legal frameworks applicable to all citizens are drafted in a language incomprehensible to Tamil speakers.
“Chauvinism is naming the three criminal laws that govern 140 crore citizens in a language that Tamils cannot even pronounce or comprehend by reading,” he stated.
The chief minister further highlighted what he described as the inequities faced by Tamil Nadu, despite being one of the nation’s top contributors.
“Chauvinism is treating the state that contributes the most to the nation as second-class citizens and denying its fair share for refusing to swallow the poison called NEP,” he posted on X.
Stalin expressed concern that forcing any language upon people creates discord and hostility, posing risks to national integration.
He asserted, “The true chauvinists and anti-nationals are the Hindi zealots who believe their entitlement is natural but our resistance is treason.”
Stalin has recently intensified his criticism of the central government regarding both the three-language policy and the forthcoming delimitation process.