Hindi issue: Cong advises caution, says backlash in non-Hindi

Congress on Friday advised caution to the government in its decision seeking to promote official language Hindi in the social media, saying this has resulted in a backlash in non-Hindi states especially Tamil Nadu.

"There is a backlash in non-Hindi states especially Tamil Nadu. Government would be well-advised to proceed with caution," P Chidambaram, former Union Minister and senior party leader from Tamil Nadu, said at the AICC briefing here.

BJP has sought to defend the government's move to promote Hindi, saying it seeks to bind the nation together and should not be construed as an "insult" to English.

Two Home Ministry circulars seeking to promote official language Hindi in the social media has raked up a controversy with DMK accusing the Centre of imposing the language on non- Hindi speaking sections.

While the government decision was attacked by DMK chief M Karunanidhi, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju had said yesterday that he will promote use of Hindi in all official work and public life.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh had, however, sought to down play the controversy by saying the Centre will promote all languages of the country.

CPI(M) also attacked the Modi government for its directive on the use of Hindi as the medium for government communication on social media and sought modification of the same.