Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed a rally in Rameswaram, Tamil Nadu, where he took a direct swipe at the state’s leadership over the ongoing language debate.
His remarks came in the wake of opposition by the DMK-led government to the Centre’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which they claim prioritises Hindi at the cost of regional languages.
“I’m surprised when I receive letters from Tamil Nadu leaders. None of them are signed in Tamil,” PM Modi said.
“If you’re proud, then at least sign your name in Tamil,” the Prime Minister said, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to promoting the language and culture globally while contrasting it with what he described as a lack of genuine local support for regional identity.
PM Modi urged the state government to begin offering medical education in the Tamil language, stating that doing so would enable students from economically weaker sections to pursue careers in medicine without language barriers.
“Our effort is to ensure that the youth of our country do not have to go abroad to become doctors. In the last 10 years, Tamil Nadu has received 11 new medical colleges,” the Prime Minister said, pointing to the Centre’s efforts to boost healthcare education across the state.
Highlighting the government’s commitment to the welfare of Tamil Nadu’s coastal communities, PM Modi said that over 3,700 Indian fishermen have been repatriated from Sri Lanka in the past decade.
“More than 600 fishermen were freed just last year. Some even faced capital punishment, but we took decisive steps to ensure their safe return,” the Prime Minister said, underlining the Centre’s diplomatic efforts.
Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the New Pamban Bridge, a vertical lift railway sea bridge, describing it as a marvel of 21st-century engineering that connects the ancient town of Rameswaram.
“This bridge allows both faster trains and the passage of large ships, enhancing connectivity and trade,” the Prime Minister said.
The event also included the launch of multiple highway projects and the foundation-laying for several road infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening the state’s transport network.
With Tamil Nadu poised to play a crucial role in upcoming elections, PM Modi’s speech touched on regional pride, infrastructure, and welfare, all while framing the Centre as the driving force behind the state’s development.
His remarks also signaled an intent to challenge the DMK on cultural and governance fronts ahead of a crucial political season.
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