Tamil Nadu Agriculture Minister MRK Panneerselvam has triggered a major political controversy after making remarks about North Indian migrant workers, linking their employment in low-paying jobs to what he described as Hindi-only education. The comments, made during a public event in Chengalpattu near Chennai, have reignited the long-standing debate between the Centre and Tamil Nadu over language policy and education models.
While addressing the gathering, the minister said that people from North India migrate to southern states like Tamil Nadu to work as construction labourers, table cleaners, and pani puri sellers because their education system focuses only on Hindi. He contrasted this with Tamil Nadu’s two-language policy, claiming that students in the state learn English effectively and are therefore able to secure lucrative jobs abroad in countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
The remarks quickly drew criticism from opposition parties, particularly the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam. AIADMK leaders described the statement as insensitive and derogatory, arguing that migrant workers come to Tamil Nadu in search of livelihood and contribute significantly to the state’s economy. Party spokesperson Kovai Sathyan said that such comments demean the dignity of labour and ignore the hardships faced by migrant workers.
He also pointed to incidents involving migrant workers from states like Odisha and Bihar, alleging that they faced violence and insecurity despite their contribution to Tamil Nadu’s growth. According to him, the state’s reputation as an inclusive and welcoming society was being undermined by remarks that stereotype people based on language and region.
The ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, however, strongly defended Panneerselvam. Party spokesperson TKS Elangovan said the minister’s remarks were being misinterpreted and that there was no intention to insult migrant workers. He stated that the comments were meant to highlight the failure of education systems in BJP-ruled states, which, according to the DMK, have not focused adequately on skill development and employment opportunities.
Elangovan further argued that Tamil Nadu provides quality education, employment, and dignified treatment to people from other states, and that migrant workers continue to find opportunities in the state because of its strong economy and social policies. He alleged that the BJP prioritises ideological agendas over the welfare of people, leading to unemployment and migration from northern states.
The controversy has once again brought Tamil Nadu’s opposition to the National Education Policy into the spotlight. The state has consistently rejected the three-language formula promoted by the Centre and defended its two-language policy of Tamil and English. The DMK maintains that this approach has empowered students with global opportunities while preserving linguistic identity.
Beyond political arguments, the episode has also drawn attention to the crucial role played by migrant workers in Tamil Nadu’s economy. Millions of workers from Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, and other states are employed across sectors such as construction, manufacturing, hospitality, and services. Economists note that inter-state migration is largely driven by economic disparities and job availability rather than language alone.
AIADMK leaders invoked the phrase “Vandharai Vaazha Vaikkum Thamizhagam,” which reflects Tamil Nadu’s traditional belief in offering shelter and livelihood to those who come seeking work. They argued that political statements targeting migrant communities risk deepening regional divides and damaging social harmony.
As reactions continue to pour in, MRK Panneerselvam’s remarks have become more than a political flashpoint. They have reopened a sensitive national conversation on language, education policy, migration, and the dignity of labour. While the DMK insists that the comments were misunderstood, the opposition maintains that leaders must exercise caution when speaking on issues that affect millions of workers who form the backbone of the state’s economy.