Edappadi K. Palaniswami echoes Amit Shah’s concern that mother tongue sidelined in favour of English

All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Saturday (June 21, 2025) echoed Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s concern that the mother tongue is being sidelined in favour of English.

Responding to Mr. Shah’s recent remark that English-speaking Indians may soon feel ashamed, Mr. Palaniswami said the mother tongue holds an important place in society and added that everybody has their own views.

“He has spoken about the importance of the mother tongue. His concern is that more importance is being given to English than to native languages,” Mr. Palaniswami told reporters at the Coimbatore airport.

On the Keezhadi excavations, Mr. Palaniswami said the party had already explained its role. “IT Wing secretary K. Pandiarajan has detailed the steps taken during the tenure of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa and by the government that followed. All necessary clarifications were provided,” he said.

Asked about the Muruga Bhaktargal conference being held in Madurai, he said, “In a democratic country, every citizen and organisation has the right to worship the deity of their choice. Those organising the Muruga Bhaktargal conference are exercising that right. I extend my wishes.”

On allegations that DMK functionaries used obscene language in public, Mr. Palaniswami said, “We have already condemned such remarks. People are disturbed by them. In the 2026 Assembly elections, people will give a fitting response.”

On International Yoga Day, he said, “Yoga is important for physical health. The Prime Minister Modi is leading these efforts. I extend my greetings.”