In a fresh escalation of political rhetoric, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Nilgiris Lok Sabha MP and 2G scam accused A. Raja has sparked controversy by declaring that the trending social media slogan “Get Out Modi” will soon resonate in Parliament. The statement came as part of DMK’s ongoing feud with the Centre over alleged delays in releasing funds for centrally monitored schemes, including the PM Shri initiative.
The row intensified when Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin launched the “Get Out Modi” campaign on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). In response, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K. Annamalai initiated a counter-campaign titled “Get Out Stalin,” which gained unprecedented traction, garnering over 12 million interactions within 24 hours—a record-breaking engagement for a political campaign.
Simultaneously, a verbal duel unfolded between Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. K. Stalin, his son Udhayanidhi Stalin, State Education Minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The DMK leadership has intensified its attacks on the Modi government, alleging that the Centre is “anti-Tamil” and attempting to impose “Hindi dominance” on the state.
Addressing a gathering at the DMK headquarters, Arivalayam, A. Raja sharpened his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, saying:
“If Narendra Modi claims DMK is dividing people through language politics, can’t we ask him whether he is dividing people based on language? Earlier, we said ‘Go Back Modi.’ Then our Deputy CM Udhayanidhi Stalin said ‘Get Out Modi,’ and soon, we will say ‘Get Out Modi’ in Parliament.”
Debate is about 250 schools that will be empanelled in #PMSHRI scheme. We are not asking to appoint 3rd language teachers in all 38,000 Govt. Schools of Tamil Nadu; that’s impossible too.
If DMK Govt. can’t appoint 3rd language teachers in just 250 schools it is incompetence. https://t.co/8Da0hLSfFG
— Dr.SG Suryah (@SuryahSG) February 23, 2025
These remarks have fueled speculation that DMK is intentionally provoking the Centre into taking constitutional action under Article 355 or Article 356 of the Indian Constitution to dismiss the state government. Critics argue that the ruling DMK is attempting to divert public attention from governance failures, including the rising crime rate, increased property taxes, and economic distress in Tamil Nadu.
Many political analysts believe that DMK’s aggressive stance stems from growing concerns about the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. While some pre-poll surveys suggest a comfortable win for DMK, critics argue that the ground reality tells a different story. The party’s frequent clashes with the Centre and perceived “antagonistic” governance are reportedly causing frustration among the electorate.
Rejecting a student-centric, future-focused policy like NEP 2020 is a step backward.
NEP 2020 does not impose any language on any State. Politicising NEP 2020 to sustain political narratives is reprehensible. pic.twitter.com/JZcKj6kkG3
— Dharmendra Pradhan (@dpradhanbjp) February 21, 2025
Adding to the controversy, CM Stalin has taken a firm stand against the National Education Policy (NEP), vowing not to implement it even if the Centre offers a financial incentive of Rs 10,000 crore. Speaking at a public event in Cuddalore, Stalin said:
“If Tamil Nadu surrenders its rights for Rs 2,000 crore or Rs 10,000 crore, the state will be pushed back by 2,000 years. NEP is a direct threat to our children’s future. It undermines social justice, attacks Tamil identity, and is against the interests of Tamil Nadu.”
TN CM said he will stop Taxes from TN in a second. He should explain how. For his information non compliance of GST comes under PMLA, 2nd both doesn’t & indirect taxes are collected by centre TN share is transferred by centre. Rhetoric at its height.
— SS Iyengar 🇮🇳 (@Isriramseshadri) February 22, 2025
He further claimed that NEP introduces unfair examination policies, denies scholarships to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and increases dropout rates by implementing semester-based assessments from Class IX to XII.
In response, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan strongly refuted DMK’s allegations, asserting:
“Let me unequivocally state that there is no question of imposing any language on any state or community. NEP follows a flexible three-language formula, ensuring linguistic freedom while allowing states to choose their languages.”
He cautioned that Tamil Nadu’s rigid stance on NEP might deprive students, teachers, and educational institutions of valuable opportunities provided under the policy.
The controversy took another turn when CM Stalin suggested that Tamil Nadu might “stop paying taxes” to the Centre. This statement triggered backlash, with critics questioning its feasibility. Political commentator Sriram Seshadri remarked:
“TN CM said he will stop sending taxes in a second. He should explain how. Non-compliance with GST comes under PMLA. Direct and indirect taxes are collected by the Centre, and Tamil Nadu’s share is transferred back. This is mere rhetoric at its peak!”
It’s an app for parents. ‘Appa’ is the right name for it. https://t.co/wAAMMjpVgM
— Fazil (@shaikfazil) February 22, 2025
In the midst of these political disputes, the Tamil Nadu government launched the “APPA” (Anaithu Palli Parents Teachers Association) app to promote school-parent interactions. However, netizens were quick to point out inconsistencies in its naming, questioning why “APPA” (meaning “father” in Tamil) was used instead of the full English abbreviation “APPTA.” Some critics mocked the DMK’s stance on Tamil purity, pointing out that while they oppose alleged Hindi imposition, they themselves mix Tamil and English in official initiatives.
The DMK’s intensified rhetoric against the Centre reflects a larger political strategy to consolidate Tamil Nadu’s regional identity ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections. However, whether this approach will resonate with voters or backfire remains uncertain. As the political climate in Tamil Nadu heats up, the battle lines between the state and the Centre are set to become even more pronounced in the coming months.
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