Govt. cannot force Hindi on non-speaking states: DMK spokesperson

Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) spokesperson T.K.S Elangovan on Thursday said the government cannot thrust Hindi over states which do not use the language.

"Government cannot thrust Hindi over non-speaking states of our country. There was an agitation on this in the past, and now the priority should be on developing our country," said Elangovan.

"It is against the assurance given by our earlier prime ministers. If the government respects the parliament, it will respect Nehru's words. Our leader has issued a statement on this and our party will decide the further course of action," he added.

Earlier today, DMK chief M Karunanidhi condemned government's decision to give priority to Hindi on official social media interactions.

He said that it is an attempt to treat non-Hindi speakers as second class citizens.

Meanwhile, Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju said "Hindi is our official language. We have to promote Hindi. It doesn't mean that we undermine the importance of Indian language."

"Today, I have taken the review meeting of Hindi language because it comes under me so I have taken a decision that we will give priority for the promotion of Hindi in all the usages in various departments and public life because it's our official language," he added.