During a public rally in Rameswaram on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi subtly criticized Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin amid the ongoing language debate. He remarked that despite receiving numerous letters from Tamil Nadu leaders, not one of them is signed in Tamil. Highlighting the importance of genuine pride in one’s language, he suggested that leaders who champion Tamil should at least sign their correspondence in it.

“It’s surprising that letters I receive from Tamil Nadu politicians are never signed in Tamil. If we truly take pride in our language, shouldn't we start by using it ourselves?” Modi stated, emphasizing his government's commitment to promoting Tamil language and culture globally.

The comment came against the backdrop of tensions between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government, led by MK Stalin’s DMK. The state has repeatedly accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to impose Hindi through the New Education Policy (NEP), particularly objecting to the proposed three-language formula, which it believes undermines the state's linguistic identity.

PM Modi also made an appeal to the state administration to consider offering medical education in Tamil. He argued that such a step would empower underprivileged students who aspire to become doctors, adding that a local language option would reduce dependence on overseas medical education. He noted that Tamil Nadu has seen the establishment of 11 new medical colleges over the past decade.

On the issue of federal funding, the Tamil Nadu government has alleged that the Centre is withholding funds, particularly those earmarked for education. Recently, it claimed that over ₹2,000 crore had been blocked due to the state's refusal to adopt the NEP. Modi refuted these claims, asserting that under the BJP-led NDA government, financial assistance to the state had actually increased.

“Development in Tamil Nadu has been a key focus. The rail budget for the state has seen a more than sevenfold jump compared to the pre-2014 era. This year alone, it has crossed ₹6,000 crore, up from around ₹900 crore a decade ago,” the Prime Minister stated. He also mentioned that 77 railway stations across the state, including Rameswaram, are being modernised under central schemes.

MK Stalin did not attend the inauguration ceremony of the New Pamban Bridge, India’s first vertical sea lift bridge, which Modi inaugurated during his visit. Speaking at a separate rally in Ooty, Stalin urged the Prime Minister to ensure that states like Tamil Nadu, which have effectively managed population growth, are not disadvantaged in the upcoming delimitation process. He demanded assurance that their proportion of parliamentary seats would not be reduced.