Amit Shah Apologises for Not Speaking Tamil in Madurai Rally Ahead of 2026 Elections

KKN Gurugram Desk | On Sunday, June 8, 2025, Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed a large gathering of BJP party workers in Madurai, Tamil Nadu. He started his speech by expressing regret for his inability to speak in Tamil—a gesture appreciated by many attendees.

“I apologise to the party workers of Tamil Nadu as I cannot speak to you in one of the greatest languages of India, Tamil,” Shah said, highlighting his respect for the language despite linguistic limitations .

Why the Apology Matters in Lingual Politics

The apology comes amidst ongoing tension between the Centre and the Tamil Nadu government over the National Education Policy’s three-language formula and perceived Hindi imposition. By acknowledging Tamil’s cultural value, Shah aimed to mitigate regional sensitivities .

Rallyers Forge Ahead: BJP–AIADMK Alliance and Political Commitments

Shah also used the rally to deliver a significant political message:

• He assured that the BJP–AIADMK-led NDA would form the government in Tamil Nadu after the 2026 Assembly election, asserting voters would unseat the ruling DMK .

• He acknowledged Chief Minister Stalin’s statement that “Amit Shah cannot defeat DMK.” Shah responded, “Stalin is right. I cannot defeat the DMK—but the people of Tamil Nadu can,” urging citizens to drive the political change .

 A Detailed Review of Shah’s Madurai Visit

1. Show of Strength

This marked Shah’s second major visit in two months, signaling BJP’s intensified campaign ahead of 2026. He also unveiled an alliance with AIADMK, aiming to consolidate opposition against DMK .

2. Criticism of the DMK

During the address, Shah sharply criticized the DMK for failing to execute more than 60% of its manifesto promises and alleged corruption, especially in TASMAC liquor and other scams .

3. Sacred Gesture

He visited the Meenakshi Amman Temple earlier, receiving blessings and reaffirming his respect for regional customs .

4. Language as a Diplomatic Tool

By calling Tamil “one of India’s greatest languages” and apologizing for not speaking it, Shah aimed to build emotional resonance with Tamil voters while discouraging DMK’s rhetoric of linguistic imposition .

 Wider Context: Center vs Tamil Nadu on Language Policy

Tamil Nadu has historically resisted Hindi imposition, triggered again by the three-language policy in NEP 2023. CM Stalin accused the Centre of coercing Hindi dominance, demanding that professional courses be offered in Tamil.

Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan defended NEP, stating it respects linguistic freedom and doesn’t mandate Hindi .

 Statistical Perspective: BJP’s Current Stand in Tamil Nadu

In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, DMK-led alliance won all 39 seats in Tamil Nadu. BJP failed to secure a single seat. The AIADMK–BJP alliance remains hopeful but trails the DMK in public support .

With Shah’s high-profile visits and strategic alliance building, BJP is intensifying efforts for the 2026 Assembly polls .

Key Takeaways: Political and Cultural Layers of the Apology

 Recognition of Tamil Pride

By praising Tamil as a “greatest language” and apologizing for not speaking it, Shah aims to establish cultural rapport and deflect charges of cultural insensitivity.

 Political Messaging

His promise that the “people, not Shah,” will defeat DMK shifts focus from BJP to electoral agency, while rallying support behind a BJP–AIADMK NDA coalition.

 Strategic Repositioning

These repeated visits and alliances signal BJP’s intensified engagement in southern politics, especially Tamil Nadu and West Bengal

Amit Shah’s apology in Tamil—though symbolic—carries strategic importance. It blends cultural humility with aggressive political messaging as BJP intensifies preparations for the 2026 Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. His assertion that Tamil Nadu people, not the BJP, will dethrone the DMK—amidst the AIADMK alliance—signals a political powerplay deeply rooted in regional sentiment.

As the campaign moves forward, themes of language respect, coalition unity, and public agency will dominate the BJP’s narrative. KKN Live will continue to cover this unfolding political drama with clarity and insight.