Tamil Nadu Minister’s Explosive Remark: North Indians “Come to Sell Pani Puri, Know only Hindi"

Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam triggered a fresh political controversy on Wednesday after making remarks about migrant workers from northern India, reviving the long-running language debate in the state ahead of Assembly elections. His comments were linked to the ongoing disagreement over the Centre’s three-language policy and alleged Hindi imposition.

Speaking at a public event, the minister said people from northern states, who have learnt only Hindi, often come to Tamil Nadu for low-paying jobs such as construction work, cleaning tables, or selling pani puri. He contrasted this with Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy of Tamil and English, claiming it has helped local youth secure jobs abroad.

Panneerselvam said Tamil Nadu students benefit from learning English and are able to work in countries like the United States and the United Kingdom, earning high incomes. His remarks quickly sparked criticism for appearing to target Hindi-speaking migrants and for using language that many found offensive.

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The ruling DMK moved swiftly to contain the fallout. Party spokesperson Dr Syed Hafeezullah said there is dignity in all forms of work and stressed that the party has no opposition to Hindi speakers or migrant workers. He said the comments were meant as criticism of the Centre’s language policy, not individuals.

Language remains a sensitive political issue in Tamil Nadu, which has a long history of opposing what it sees as attempts to impose Hindi. With elections approaching, the controversy is expected to sharpen political debate, especially around the National Education Policy and the state’s commitment to its two-language formula of Tamil and English.

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