Kanimozhi Karunanidhi Stands Up for Equity, Language Rights, and Federalism
Speaking at the Times Now Summit 2025, DMK leader and Member of Parliament Kanimozhi Karunanidhi delivered a strong, clear message: the time for silence is over, especially when equity and representation are at stake. In a compelling and grounded conversation, she addressed some of the most pressing issues confronting Tamil Nadu and the country at large — from the implications of delimitation to the politics of language, education, and identity.
Raising concerns around delimitation, she pointed to the inherent unfairness in penalising states like Tamil Nadu that have successfully implemented population control measures. The idea that representation in Parliament could be reduced for states that have done the right thing, she argued, runs counter to the very principles of justice and good governance. The government’s ambiguous promises of representation on a “pro-rata basis” were also called into question, with Kanimozhi underlining the need for clarity and accountability rather than vague reassurances.
She was particularly vocal on the issue of the National Education Policy (NEP), criticising the imposition of Hindi under the guise of a three-language formula. For Tamil Nadu — a state with a long and proud linguistic heritage — the push for Hindi and Sanskrit over Tamil in central educational institutions felt not just exclusionary, but deeply disrespectful. Citing the imbalance in teacher appointments, where over 85 Hindi teachers and multiple Sanskrit teachers are posted in Kendriya Vidyalayas across the state with not even one permanent Tamil teacher, she called this a glaring example of systemic bias.
On the topic of Sanatana Dharma, she defended her party’s position and clarified that the criticism is aimed squarely at caste-based oppression — not religion. According to her, the debate should not be distorted into a matter of faith when it is fundamentally about dismantling social hierarchies that perpetuate discrimination.
She also reiterated her party’s opposition to the Waqf Bill, in alignment with the resolution passed by the Tamil Nadu Assembly. She cautioned against narratives that fuel communal fear and division, emphasizing the need for thoughtful, inclusive policy-making that does not marginalize communities under the guise of reform.
Responding to questions about the ADMK-BJP alliance, Kanimozhi remained confident and unfazed, stating that the people of Tamil Nadu are discerning and can see through political alliances formed out of convenience rather than principle.
Her address was a powerful reaffirmation of the DMK’s core values — federalism, fairness, social justice, and linguistic pride. In a political climate where centralisation threatens regional identities and hard-won rights, Kanimozhi’s presence on the national stage was a reminder of why regional voices matter now more than ever.