On DMK’s anti-Hindi stance despite its rising use among migrant workers in TN
We are not opposed to Hindi, but to any attempt to impose a compulsory three-language formula under the National Education Policy. The Centre cannot dictate education policy to states, especially when our performance has been strong for decades. This undermines federalism and states’ rights. Evidence shows that a two-language system is sufficient and allows students to focus on other subjects, particularly in the age of artificial intelligence.”
On Piyush Goyal asking Stalin to rule out naming Udhayanidhi CM, citing Tamil pride
The people will decide who is fit for which role-that is the essence of democracy and elections. No one can be imposed on the people at someone else’s behest.
On ‘governance gaps’
I was happy when the CM entrusted me with such an important portfolio. My disappointment lies with the governance process, which is far weaker and more poorly designed than I had imagined from the outside. The administrative model is in disrepair, partly due to a failure to follow constitutional norms. Practices have become self-degenerating – in how the government functions, audits are conducted, reports are presented, records are maintained, and institutional memory is preserved.
On DMK targeting BJP
DMK has been targeting the BJP more than the AIADMK as it believes the BJP is setting the agenda. It is the BJP that is using extra-constitutional methods – depriving us of funds, using the Governor to interfere in our functioning, and legislating on state subjects.
The government in Delhi has a tendency to homogenise everything. What is the meaning of our country’s motto – unity in diversity – if everything is made uniform? Who would want to be homogenised into nothingness? Their second tendency is control – they want to control everything while states control nothing, so they try to legislate on state subjects.
