Tamil Nadu Government Tables Bill To Ban Hindi Songs, Movies, And Hoardings: Move Sparks National Language Debate

On Tuesday, the Tamil Nadu government, led by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the DMK, introduced a bill in the State Assembly that proposes a ban on Hindi-language songs, films, and public hoardings across Tamil Nadu. The legislation seeks to prohibit the use of Hindi in entertainment and advertisements, citing the need to protect Tamil linguistic identity and resist the “imposition” of Hindi from the central government.

Bill Details and Rationale

According to official sources, the bill aims to legally mandate Tamil as the primary language for public display, entertainment, and advertising within the state. It includes restrictions on Hindi hoardings, movie screenings, and songs at theaters and public events. The DMK government insists the measure complies with India’s Constitution, maintaining Tamil Nadu’s longstanding two-language policy of Tamil and English as official languages.

The initiative follows earlier symbolic moves, such as replacing the rupee sign (₹) with the Tamil letter “ரூ” for the state’s budget documents, sparking controversy among national leaders. State ministers argue that the bill is not anti-Hindi, but anti-imposition, designed to honor Tamil pride and identity.

Political Context and Reactions

The bill arrives ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, with the DMK emphasizing language autonomy against what it calls “north-centric” policies promoted by the BJP-led central government—particularly the three-language formula in education. Supporters within Tamil Nadu’s film and music industries have hailed the bill, while the opposition BJP has denounced it as divisive and undemocratic.

Senior DMK leader TKS Elangovan stated, “We will do nothing against the Constitution. We will abide by it. We are against Hindi imposition.” BJP leaders, in contrast, have criticized the move as absurd and politically motivated diversion, claiming it distracts from local governance issues.

Historical Background

Tamil Nadu’s resistance to Hindi imposition dates back to the anti-Hindi agitations of the 1930s and 1960s, helping establish Tamil and English as the state’s administrative languages. The DMK government claims that protecting Tamil’s primacy boosts social development, literacy, and employment.

Implications

Legal experts and civil society have called for thoughtful dialogue, warning that legislative bans on languages could challenge principles of pluralism and minority rights. The outcome of this bill’s discussion will shape the future of linguistic diversity and regional autonomy in India.