Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has fiercely responded to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s remarks on the language debate, terming them “political black comedy at its darkest”. The DMK leader defended his government’s opposition to the Centre’s three-language policy, stating that Tamil Nadu is not against any language but stands firmly against imposition and chauvinism.

Stalin’s rebuttal came after Yogi Adityanath, in a media interview, criticised the DMK leader for allegedly fostering regional and linguistic divisions to protect his vote base. The UP Chief Minister questioned why Hindi was being opposed and praised Tamil as one of India’s most ancient languages, urging unity over linguistic differences.

Responding on social media, Stalin accused the BJP of being rattled by the DMK’s stand, particularly as the issues of language and delimitation gain traction beyond Tamil Nadu. “We don’t oppose any language; we oppose imposition and chauvinism,” Stalin wrote. He also said that this isn’t riot-for-votes politics but this is a battle for dignity and justice.”

The row is rooted in the DMK’s opposition to the Hindi push under the National Education Policy (NEP), which promotes a three-language formula including Hindi. Tamil Nadu has consistently advocated for a two-language policy, emphasizing Tamil and English. The DMK has accused the Centre of attempting to undermine regional languages and identities.

The debate also touches on a growing concern over the upcoming delimitation exercise, expected post-2026. Stalin warned that the move could marginalize southern states in parliamentary representation due to their lower population growth—a result of effective family planning policies. He argued this would unfairly penalize progressive states like Tamil Nadu, which contribute significantly to the national GDP.

Yogi Adityanath, on the other hand, framed the DMK’s stance as narrow politics and cautioned the public to remain vigilant against such divisive narratives. “The people of this country should always stand for unity,” he said, while praising cultural initiatives like the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam to promote harmony.

The political clash once again underscores the long-standing tensions between regional identity and central policies, particularly on sensitive issues like language and representation.

Karnataka BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has vowed to intensify his campaign against corruption and dynastic politics following his six-year expulsion from the BJP, which he claims was retaliation for his outspoken criticism of the party leadership.

The firebrand MLA from Vijayapura took to the social media platform X to declare that his removal from the party would not silence him. “The decision to expel me won’t stop my fight against corruption, family rule, or my mission to develop North Karnataka. I’ll keep serving people with the same commitment,” Yatnal asserted in his post.

Yatnal, known for his combative style, accused the BJP of punishing him for challenging what he called “authoritarian tendencies” within the party and advocating for systemic reforms. He specifically targeted former CM B.S. Yediyurappa and his son B.Y. Vijayendra, the current state BJP chief, alleging they orchestrated his ouster to suppress his exposes.

In December 2023, the MLA had dropped a bombshell by claiming ₹40,000 crore irregularities occurred during Yediyurappa’s COVID-19 relief administration, threatening to reveal more details if expelled. “They thought silencing me would bury the truth, but the people know everything,” he told reporters.

The BJP’s disciplinary committee cited Yatnal’s “continuous indiscipline” as grounds for expulsion, noting he had received multiple show-cause notices since 2022. His latest confrontation occurred when he planned independent public meetings about Waqf Act amendments despite party objections.

The decision by the BJP was announced on Wednesday by the party’s Central Disciplinary Committee, which issued a statement instructing Yatnal to refrain from participating in any party-related activities.

In its Wednesday order, the central disciplinary panel stated Yatnal had “violated organizational discipline repeatedly” even after giving written assurances to reform. His expulsion bars him from all party activities until 2030.

The maverick leader thanked his constituents, grassroots workers, religious leaders, and family for standing by him. Reports suggest Yatnal may now either float his own movement or explore alternatives, though he hasn’t revealed his next steps.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has asserted that communal harmony has prevailed in the state under the BJP government, claiming that “Muslims are safe if Hindus are safe”. In an interview with a media agency, the Chief Minister said no communal riots have occurred in the state since 2017 when the BJP came to power.

Emphasising mutual safety and religious coexistence

Highlighting the notion of religious tolerance among Hindus, Yogi Adityanath remarked that a Muslim family can live securely among 100 Hindu families and practice their faith freely. However, he questioned whether the reverse would be equally safe in Muslim-majority areas, citing examples from neighbouring countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

“In Uttar Pradesh, Muslims are the safest. If Hindus are safe, then they are also safe,” he stated, recalling that earlier riots impacted both communities. He added, “After 2017, the riots stopped.”

Sanatan Dharma and historical perspective

Yogi Adityanath, who is also the Mahant of Gorakhnath Temple, described Sanatan Dharma as the world’s oldest religion. He said Hindu rulers in history never imposed their beliefs on others, and followers of Sanatan Dharma have never converted others by force.

“There is no example in the world where Hindu rulers used their power to dominate others,” he claimed.

Criticism of Rahul Gandhi and Congress policies

Taking a sharp dig at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Yogi Adityanath referred to him as a “specimen”, stating that such figures benefit the BJP politically. He criticised Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, calling it a “Bharat Todo Abhiyan”, and alleged that the Congress party had prolonged the Ayodhya dispute deliberately.

He further questioned why the Congress failed to abolish triple talaq or promote cultural events like Kumbh with pride, and why it couldn’t deliver world-class infrastructure.

Remarks on disputed religious sites and legal battles

On matters concerning disputed religious sites, such as the Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal and the Mathura mosque, Adityanath said the state government is abiding by court rulings. However, he also hinted that the situation could have escalated if not for legal restraints.

“Scientific evidence is there, and as more comes forward, we will revive temples. We will show the world where they are,” he said.

He also cited Islamic teachings, questioning the legitimacy of religious structures allegedly built upon demolished temples, adding, “Islam says such places are not accepted by God. Then why were they built?”