Mulayam's ban English in Parliament demand 'disturbing': TMC, BJP

Reacting to Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Mulayam Singh Yadav's demand to ban the use of English in Parliament, Trinamool Congress (TMC) lawmaker Derek O'Brien on Monday dubbed the remarks as disturbing, and said that all languages should be loved and encouraged.

"Mulayam Singh's remarks are disturbing. We believe that all language should be loved and encouraged. English is the language, which the youth are looking up to. It is an important language. We believe you should love and encourage all languages and dialects," he said.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Balbir Punj said that Hindi should be learnt by everyone, but not by eliminating the English language.

He also said that there are other vital issues of concern that needed to be raised and addressed at this time.

"Any issue raised besides security of the nation and people, only indicates diversion from the questions being posed at them. Mulayam Singh should understand there is no issue about English or Hindi language. Everyone should learn Hindi, but that does not mean English should be removed,' he said.

"In which school did Mulayam Singh's children and grandchildren study? Are they in an English medium school or a Hindi medium?" he questioned.

Mulayam Yadav sought a ban on the use of English language in Parliament while addressing a function held by Hindi Sewa Trust in Etawah on Saturday evening.

"When MPs ask for vote, they do so in Hindi, but address Parliament in English. This should stop," he said.

"There should be a ban on English address in Parliament. Countries, which use their mother tongue, are more developed. It is the need of the hour to promote Hindi," he added.