In a sharp reply to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s criticism over the three-language row, his Tamil Nadu counterpart MK Stalin has said the firebrand leader’s remarks are not irony, but “political black comedy at its darkest”. The DMK leader has said Tamil Nadu does not oppose any language, but is against “imposition and chauvinism” and that the BJP was “rattled” by its stand.

In an interview with ANI, Mr Adityanath targeted the DMK leader, saying he was trying to create divisions based on region and language because he feels his vote bank was at risk.

Tamil Nadu’s fair and firm voice on #TwoLanguagePolicy and #FairDelimitation is echoing nationwide—and the BJP is clearly rattled. Just watch their leaders’ interviews.

And now Hon’ble Yogi Adityanath wants to lecture us on hate? Spare us. This isn’t irony—it’s political black… https://t.co/NzWD7ja4M8

— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) March 27, 2025

The DMK government has challenged the three-language push in the Centre’s National Education Policy and accused it of imposing Hindi on the southern states. The BJP has hit back, accusing the DMK of politicising the issue. Another flashpoint between Tamil Nadu and the Centre is the delimitation exercise. DMK has contended that the delimitation exercise, expected to be conducted after 2026, will put southern states at a disadvantage. These states, Mr Stalin has said, had implemented family planning effectively over the years and this population control may work against them when delimitation is conducted based on demographic change. This would give southern states a lesser say in Parliament despite significant achievement in population control and contribution to the country’s GDP, he has said.

Speaking on the language issue, the Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister questioned why the DMK was against Hindi and said it was essential to learn every language. “The country should not be divided on the basis of language or region. We are grateful to Prime Minister Modi ji for organising the third generation of the Kashi-Tamil Sangamam in Varanasi. Tamil is one of the oldest languages in India, and its history is as ancient as Sanskrit. Every Indian has respect and reverence for Tamil because many elements of Indian heritage are still alive in the language. So, why should we hate Hindi?”

Describing the DMK’s stand as “narrow politics”, he said, “When these people feel their vote bank is at risk, they try to create divisions based on region and language. The people of this country should always be alert to such divisive politics and stand firm for the unity of the country,” he said.

In a post on X, Mr Stalin said Tamil Nadu’s stand on the two-language and delimitation was “echoing nationwide” and the BJP is “clearly rattled”. “And now Hon’ble Yogi Adityanath wants to lecture us on hate? Spare us. This isn’t irony – it’s political black comedy at its darkest. We don’t oppose any language; we oppose imposition and chauvinism. This isn’t riot-for-votes politics. This is a battle for dignity and justice,” he said.

Speaking out on the continuous death threats he has been receiving, Bollywood superstar Salman Khan has said his life is in the hands of God. During a promotional event for his upcoming movie Sikandar, Mr Khan was asked about the threats. “Bhagwan, Allah sab unpar hai. Jitni umar likhi hai, utni likhi hai. Bas yahi hai.” This roughly translates to, “It’s all up to God, Allah. What is written is written. That’s all.”

The 59-year-old actor acknowledged the challenges created by the heightened security cover provided to him following the threats and the shooting near his Mumbai apartment.

“Sometimes, having to move around with so many people becomes a problem,” he said at the press meet held amid tight security and off the camera.

In April last year, two men on a bike fired multiple shots outside Galaxy Apartments in Bandra, where the actor lives. The investigation later revealed that the shooting was aimed at intimidating the actor and was carried out on the instructions of gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. The gangster, who is in prison in Gujarat, is enraged with Salman Khan over the 1998 blackbuck shooting case, in which he was accused. The Bishnoi community holds blackbucks sacred. The actor has received frequent threats over the years.

On the professional front, the actor is now set for the release of Sikandar on Sunday. Directed by AR Murugadoss, it stars Rashmika Mandanna, Kajal Aggarwal and Sharman Joshi in key roles.

US President Donald Trump has imposed a 25% tariff on imported cars and auto parts, aimed at boosting domestic automotive manufacturing. This move could disrupt global supply chains, impacting India’s auto parts industry. Major Indian suppliers may need to explore new markets to counter the potential decline in US demand. Talks for a US-India bilateral trade agreement are ongoing.