Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has accused the BJP-led central government of withholding funds under the Samagra Shiksha scheme from high-performing states like Tamil Nadu for refusing to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan responded by accusing Stalin of attempting to divide states, which he claimed undermines the constitutional spirit of India. Pradhan emphasized that the NEP was created through extensive consultations and questioned the state's opposition to various aspects of the policy, such as education in the mother tongue. The exchange highlights a broader tension over the alleged linkage of NEP implementation to educational funding. Despite approving Rs 4,306 crore for Tamil Nadu, the Centre has not released the initial Rs 573 crore installment, according to state claims. Both leaders have used social media to broadcast their positions, with Pradhan urging Stalin to prioritize student interests over political gains.