BJP Aims to Collect Over 1 Crore Signatures for NEP by May, Says Annamalai

Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai has announced that the party aims to collect over 1 crore signatures in support of the National Education Policy (NEP) by May.

Speaking at the first mandal conference at Mannarpuram on Sunday, Annamalai revealed that 26 lakh people, including 8 lakh through online platforms, have already signed the petition.

“People are coming forward to support the NEP because they know it benefits their children. It is unlike the DMK’s politically driven campaigns against the NEET and the governor,” Annamalai stated.

PM Modi’s Role in NEP’s Inclusiveness

Annamalai emphasized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s role in making the NEP more inclusive. He noted that in 2019, Modi ensured that Hindi was not made mandatory, allowing students the freedom to choose their third language.

Highlighting Modi’s efforts, Annamalai criticized the ruling DMK party. He accused DMK leaders of running private schools that charge high fees while neglecting government school students.

He further promised that when the BJP comes to power in Tamil Nadu, all government schools in the state would be upgraded to CBSE affiliation, similar to the system in Puducherry.

Chaos at the Event as Crowd Disperses

While Annamalai was addressing the crowd, some attendees started to leave, leading to a chaotic situation. BJP members allegedly attacked a photographer who was recording the incident.

His shirt was torn, and the spectacles of a journalist were broken in the commotion. Mobile phones belonging to media personnel were also damaged.

Annamalai Criticizes DMK Over Language Policy

During his speech, Annamalai took aim at the DMK and the Congress-led UPA government over their language policies.

He claimed that Hindi was made a compulsory third language during the UPA regime and credited Modi for introducing the option of studying any Indian language as a third language.

“NEP offers a third language of your choice, and you can study either Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam, or even Hindi. This is the 3-language policy,” Annamalai explained.

He also stated that Modi ensured Tamil would be the compulsory medium of instruction from classes 1 to 5 under the NEP in Tamil Nadu.

DMK’s Failure to Make Tamil Mandatory

Annamalai accused the DMK of failing to make Tamil the mandatory medium of instruction despite ruling the state for several years.

“Despite ruling Tamil Nadu for so many years, the DMK never made Tamil the compulsory medium of instruction,” he said.

Drawing global comparisons, Annamalai pointed out that countries like China, Germany, and Japan have become influential because they educate children in their native languages.

Signature Campaign Gains Momentum

Annamalai highlighted the success of the BJP’s signature campaign in support of NEP 2020. He said that 26 lakh signatures had been collected within 18 days, showing significant public support for the policy.

Annamalai noted that Hindi was made the compulsory third language in the first two education policies and was also part of the draft NEP 2020.

However, Modi’s intervention in May 2019 changed the draft to allow any Indian language to be chosen as the third language.

“For the first time in the country, Modi changed the third language from Hindi in draft NEP to any Indian language–this is the 3-language policy,” Annamalai said.

DMK’s Signature Campaigns Compared to BJP’s Success

Taking a jab at the DMK, Annamalai mocked the party’s past signature campaigns, including one against the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).

“The DMK’s anti-NEET signature campaign—what happened, how many signed? Nobody knows,” Annamalai remarked.

He also accused several DMK leaders, including ministers, of making derogatory remarks about North Indians and condemned such statements.

Annamalai’s Prediction for 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly Elections

Discussing the upcoming 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, Annamalai criticized Chief Minister M.K. Stalin for being overly confident about the DMK’s chances.

“CM Stalin is living in an illusion that his party would secure over 200 seats,” Annamalai said.

Annamalai expressed confidence that the BJP’s campaign for the NEP and its broader policies would resonate with voters, positioning the party as a strong contender in the next state elections.

Annamalai’s remarks at the Mannarpuram conference underscored the BJP’s aggressive push for the NEP and its focus on language policy. The signature campaign’s growing support reflects public backing for the NEP’s flexible approach to language education.

Annamalai’s criticism of the DMK’s handling of education and language issues sets the stage for a heated political battle ahead of the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections.