BJP leaders call govt's clarification on push for Hindi a positive move

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on Saturday supported their party's clarification on the imposition of Hindi language in non Hindi speaking states.

Modi had yesterday clarified that the use of Hindi on government of India's social media platforms is only for Hindi-speaking states.

BJP leader Siddharth Nath Singh said, "It's an unnecessary controversy and it was a decision taken by the earlier government UPA 2. It is an old decision. BJP respects all languages but at the same time it would like Hindi to be promoted in Hindi speaking states. So I think it is a good decision that Hindi should be given prominence in Hindi speaking states and the regional languages should also be encouraged in those states where they are spoken."

Another BJP leader Kalraj Mishra said, "Hindi is our national language, the step should have been taken earlier only, people should accept Hindi language."

"Tamil Nadu people are coming forward to learn Hindi and the people there respect it. In fact people of all the states respect Hindi language and people should not hesitate in promoting not only Hindi but their regional languages also," he added.

Meanwhile, Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader Tariq Anwar criticized Modi for not dealing correctly with a sensitive issue like Hindi.

"The issue of Hindi language is very sensitive and the way the NDA and Modi government have dealt with it is not the proper way and not in favor of nation. We still remember the incident of 60s where many people died in a movement against Hindi in South India so we don't want any such situation to erupt that an environment of anti Hindi movement develops again in India," said Anwar.

A huge controversy had erupted on the Modi government's push for Hindi on social media with Chief Ministers like Jayalalithaa and Omar Abdullah criticizing the move.