Wrong, unwarranted controversy over Hindi: govt

Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said new government has no intention to impose Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states

Government today hit back at the opposition parties saying the controversy over promotion of Hindi on social media platform was "wrong and unwarranted" and the circular for giving prominence to the language was issued by the previous UPA dispensation.

It also made it clear that the new government has no intention to impose Hindi on non-Hindi speaking states and wants promotion of all Indian languages in equal footing.

At a hurriedly called press conference, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said the circular to give prominence to use of Hindi in social media was issued by the previous regime on March 10, this year, "much before the Narendra Modi government assumed charge".

"It was a circular meant for Hindi-speaking states. The government is clear not to impose Hindi on non-Hindi-speaking states. A wrong and unwarranted controversy is being generated as there was no directive to impose Hindi," he said.

The normal and routine circular was only reissued on May 27, he said, adding "an attempt is being made to divide the country and create a sense of insecurity.

The comments from the Minister came after parties in Tamil Nadu, including AIADMK and DMK, and CPI(M) opposed it strongly and Congress advised caution on the issue.