In a detailed post on X, Pradhan described the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 as a “manifesto for linguistic liberation” that prioritises the mother tongue rather than enforcing any imposition. He stated, “Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Thiru @mkstalin, your narrative of ‘imposition’ is a tired attempt to mask political failures. The National Education Policy 2020 is, in fact, a manifesto for linguistic liberation. It prioritises the mother tongue so every Tamil child can excel in their own glorious language.”

The minister accused the state government of misrepresenting the policy as “compulsory Hindi,” creating obstacles for young people that prevent them from becoming multilingual global leaders. He added, “Tamil is not weakened by the learning of additional languages; it is enriched when its speakers are multilingual, confident and linguistically empowered. Portraying multilingualism as a threat is misplaced.”

Pradhan noted that the NEP aligns with constitutional principles by promoting all languages equally and addressing the limitations of the existing two-language system. Implementation measures involve initiatives such as Samagra Shiksha, teacher training, and the enhancement of institutions like District Institutes of Education and Training (DIETs), alongside national frameworks such as the National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) and the National Mentoring Mission (NMM).

He also highlighted the Union Government’s efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, praising Tamil as a “national treasure” through programmes like the Kashi Tamil Sangamam. Responding to Stalin’s concerns about “reciprocity,” Pradhan asserted that the DMK government is depriving students of opportunities by perpetuating a “divisive vote bank narrative.”

Addressing the suspension of central schemes, the Education Minister said the Tamil Nadu government had intentionally stalled the establishment of PM SHRI schools and Navodaya Vidyalayas. He claimed, “The talk of resources is merely a facade. It is the DMK government that has stalled the establishment of PM SHRI schools in Tamil Nadu by refusing to sign the MoU after giving an undertaking for the same. Despite the directions of the Supreme Court of India to establish Navodaya Vidyalayas in Tamil Nadu, your government continues to obstruct their implementation, prioritising political narratives over educational equity.”

Pradhan described the resistance as a “direct disservice” to thousands of underprivileged students who could benefit from merit-based residential education. He added, “This deliberate resistance is not merely administrative defiance; it is a direct disservice to lakhs of underprivileged students. The Union Government remains fully committed to funding and teacher training but progress is being held back by your ‘dishonest’ politics.”

In conclusion, Pradhan urged the Chief Minister to desist from using the “Hindi imposition” argument to conceal administrative failings and to join the national initiative to empower Indian languages. He said, “Mischaracterising a progressive, inclusive reform as ‘linguistic imposition’ is aimed at creating unnecessary apprehension and confusion. The real concern, perhaps, is not the policy’s clarity, but the Chief Minister’s unwillingness to acknowledge it. In doing so, he disregards the constitutional spirit that safeguards India’s linguistic diversity. Stop using the ‘Hindi imposition’ argument to hide administrative failures and join the national mission of empowering every Indian language.”

These comments followed Chief Minister Stalin’s criticism of the Central Board of Secondary Education’s (CBSE) new curriculum framework on the same day, which he described as a “calculated attempt at linguistic imposition” favouring Hindi over regional languages. He argued that the policy undermines federalism, marginalises non-Hindi-speaking states, and places an excessive burden on students and teachers, calling on the Union government to respect India’s linguistic diversity and protect students’ rights across states.

The CBSE is preparing to implement a phased three-language policy starting in the 2026-27 academic year with Class 6. This policy requires students to learn an additional language, with at least two of the three languages being Indian.

Tamil Nadu will hold elections for its 234-member Legislative Assembly in a single phase on April 23, with vote counting scheduled for May 4.