Demanding linguistic equality is not chauvinism: Stalin

Chennai: Demanding linguistic equality is not chauvinism, said Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK President M.K. Stalin on Thursday. He alleged that the "true chauvinists and anti-nationals are the Hindi zealots" who believe their entitlement is natural but resistance is treason.

"When you are accustomed to privilege, equality feels like oppression. I am reminded of this famous quote when some entitled bigots brand us chauvinists and anti-nationals for the 'crime' of demanding Tamil's rightful place in Tamil Nadu." Stalin said in a social media post.

Further, he added, "The very people who glorify Godse's ideology have the audacity to question the patriotism of DMK and its government that contributed the highest amount of funds during the Chinese aggression, the Bangladesh liberation war, and the Kargil war, while their ideological forefather is the one who assassinated 'Bapu' Gandhi."

Also, he said, "Demanding linguistic equality is not chauvinism. Do you want to know what chauvinism looks like? Chauvinism is naming the three criminal laws that govern 140 crore citizens in a language that Tamils cannot even pronounce or comprehend by reading. Chauvinism is treating the state that contributes the most to the nation as second-class citizens and denying its fair share for refusing to swallow the poison called #NEP.

Imposition of anything breeds enmity. Enmity threatens unity. Hence, the true chauvinists and anti-nationals are the Hindi zealots who believe their entitlement is natural but our resistance is treason."

(inputs from PTI)