Speaking at a public event, Panneerselvam said that people from North India who “have learnt only Hindi” have limited job opportunities in Tamil Nadu, often taking up low-paying roles. In contrast, he praised Tamil Nadu students, saying their proficiency in Tamil and English allowed them to pursue opportunities abroad.
“Those from the north are coming to Tamil Nadu to clean tables… they are coming here to work as construction labourers, pani puri sellers, as they have only learnt Hindi,” Panneerselvam stated. He added, “Our children have gone abroad… as we follow a two-language policy and learned English well. They are going abroad and earning in crores in the USA and London.”
The minister’s remarks drew immediate criticism from opposition leaders and political parties outside the state, who called them “insensitive” and “divisive.”
In response, the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) sought to contain the fallout. Party spokesperson Dr Syed Hafeezullah emphasized that there is “dignity in every legal work” and that the DMK is not against Hindi speakers or the jobs they perform. He framed Panneerselvam’s statements as a defense of Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy and the state’s focus on English for global opportunities.
“The two-language policy has helped Tamil Nadu and its people. English has given people development and global opportunities. Without this priority for English, people in Hindi-speaking states have not been able to develop in education,” Hafeezullah said.
DMK Lok Sabha MP TR Baalu also claimed that the minister had been misquoted and that no derogatory remarks were intended against North Indians, reiterating the state’s opposition to “Hindi imposition.”
The remarks drew criticism from other political leaders as well. Congress MP Karti Chidambaram said Tamil Nadu’s economy relies heavily on migrant labour from other states and called the comments “irresponsible.” Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad described the statement as an insult to North Indians, while JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha highlighted the significant contribution of northern workers to economic growth across the country.
The controversy comes amid renewed debates over language policy and the Centre’s three-language formula under the National Education Policy, which Tamil Nadu has repeatedly opposed, alleging it promotes Hindi imposition. The state continues to implement a two-language policy—Tamil and English—in government schools.
Recently, Tamil Nadu Industries Minister TRB Rajaa reiterated that the state does not oppose people speaking Hindi but remains committed to protecting and promoting Tamil, noting that foreign communities also live and work in the state without linguistic conflicts.
