Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin Slams Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Over NEP Row, Calls Him ‘Arrogant’

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin on Monday strongly rebuked Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan after the latter, during Lok Sabha proceedings, accused the state government of being "dishonest" regarding the implementation of the PM Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme and of "ruining" students' futures.

In a strongly worded post in Tamil on X, Stalin condemned Pradhan's "arrogance" and likened him to an "arrogant king." He further asserted that anyone who "disrespected" the people of Tamil Nadu "needs to be disciplined."

"Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who considers himself a king, speaks with arrogance and should exercise control over his tongue," Stalin posted on X.

Lok Sabha Proceedings Disrupted

On Monday, Lok Sabha proceedings were temporarily adjourned for approximately 30 minutes as DMK members protested against Pradhan's remarks.

Responding to a query about the PM SHRI scheme, Pradhan accused the DMK-led Tamil Nadu government of reversing its stance on implementing the centrally sponsored scheme, which aims to strengthen schools managed by central, state, or local authorities.

As part of the scheme, states must sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the central government, committing to implementing the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in exchange for financial support from the Centre.

"The Tamil Nadu government initially agreed to sign the MoU but later changed its position. Many non-BJP-ruled states, including Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh, have signed the agreement," Pradhan stated.

He went on to accuse the Tamil Nadu government of dishonesty and political motives, saying, "They are dishonest and are ruining the future of Tamil Nadu's students. They are playing politics."

Pradhan further claimed that several DMK MPs had initially indicated their willingness to support the scheme but later backtracked.

"But when they returned, they made a U-turn. They are playing with students' futures, misleading the public, and acting unjustly towards Tamil Nadu's students. Their actions are undemocratic," he added.

Pradhan also remarked that Stalin himself had initially agreed but later reversed his position due to interference from an unidentified figure.

"Today is 10 March. There are still 20 days left in March," he noted, suggesting that the Tamil Nadu government still had time to sign the MoU for PM SHRI.

Stalin's Strong Response

Taking offence to Pradhan's statements, DMK MPs staged a strong protest, chanting slogans against the central government.

In his response on X, Stalin accused the Centre of failing to provide funds to Tamil Nadu and described Tamil Nadu's MPs as "uncivilised."

Speaking to ANI in the Parliament complex, DMK MP Dayanidhi Maran countered Pradhan's claims, saying, "Dharmendra Pradhan lied by stating that the DMK government had agreed to sign the NEP. The DMK never agreed to the NEP or the three-language policy. We have always maintained that Tamil Nadu students should not be forced to learn three languages while students from northern India learn only one. We are not against Hindi, and those who wish to learn it are free to do so, but it should not be compulsory."

DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi also criticised the Centre, stating, "The Union government has withheld funds amounting to over ₹2,000 crore, citing Tamil Nadu's refusal to adopt the NEP and three-language policy. The Union Education Minister then falsely claimed that Tamil Nadu MPs had agreed to sign the NEP, which is completely untrue.

"Our Chief Minister has already written to the Union Education Minister and the Prime Minister stating our firm decision not to sign the NEP. This stance has not changed. The Union Minister has insulted our government, our people, and our MPs by calling them liars and uncivilised. He has hurt our sentiments and the pride of Tamil Nadu, and we strongly condemn this."

Pradhan Withdraws Remarks

Responding to Kanimozhi, Pradhan later softened his stance, saying, "My esteemed colleague, one of my dearest sisters and a senior member, Honourable Kanimozhi, raised two points. She mentioned that I used a word which I should not have. Let us not mix issues. If my words have hurt anyone, I withdraw them. I have no problem in doing so."

NEP Dispute

Last month, MK Stalin reiterated his firm opposition to implementing the NEP in Tamil Nadu, even if the Centre were to offer ₹10,000 crore in funding.

The Chief Minister stated that the opposition to the NEP was not solely due to the "imposition of Hindi" but also because of several other concerns that could have severe repercussions on students' futures and the principles of social justice.

The PM SHRI scheme, with a total cost of ₹27,360 crore over five years, includes ₹18,128 crore from the central government.

A total of 12,079 schools from 32 states and Union Territories have been selected under the scheme, including 1,329 primary schools, 3,340 elementary schools, 2,921 secondary schools, and 4,489 senior secondary schools.

(With agency inputs)