Synopsis
Maharashtra SP leader Abu Azmi calls for Hindi to be recognized as a unifying language in India, amidst the DMK's controversial decision to change the rupee symbol to Tamil script, drawing criticism from Shiv Sena leaders who label the move unconstitutional and politically motivated.Key Takeaways
- Abu Azmi advocates for Hindi as India's unifying language.
- The DMK’s decision to change the rupee symbol has sparked political controversy.
- Shiv Sena leaders criticize the DMK’s move as unconstitutional.
- Opposition to Hindi may have political repercussions for the Stalin government.
- Language politics remain a contentious issue in Indian states.
Mumbai, March 15 (NationPress) Maharashtra Samajwadi Party (SP) leader and MLA Abu Azmi on Saturday called for the adoption of Hindi as a common language throughout India. His comments were made in light of the Tamil Nadu government's controversial decision to substitute the official rupee symbol with its equivalent in Tamil script for the state’s Budget 2025-26, a move that has incited significant political backlash.
"India is an expansive nation. There should be a language that everyone can embrace, and I contend that Hindi fits that role," Azmi stated in an interview with IANS.
“There exists a parliamentary committee addressing this matter as well, and I believe that from Kashmir to Kanyakumari, Hindi deserves formal recognition. What actions individuals take within their own states is their prerogative," he continued.
The DMK-led Tamil Nadu administration’s initiative to change the rupee symbol has faced fierce criticism from various factions.
Shiv Sena leader Manisha Kayande labeled it "unconstitutional" and a breach of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) regulations.
"The Tamil Nadu government lacks the authority to alter our national rupee symbol into a local language," she remarked to IANS.
Condemning the action as a "political stunt," Kayande accused the DMK of intentionally provoking the Centre.
"The three-language policy has long been accepted in India. Hindi serves as a universal language. They promote English but neglect Hindi. While they enjoy speaking and learning English, they disregard Hindi, despite it being an Indian language. This is merely an effort to sow discord among the populace," she asserted.
In a statement to IANS, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Nirupam branded the DMK’s decision as "treasonous" and "anti-national."
He recalled that when the rupee symbol was first introduced during the Congress-led UPA government, the DMK was part of that administration.
"The rupee symbol embodies the pride of our nation. Altering it and adopting Tamil characters instead is intolerable," he expressed.
Nirupam further accused the Dravidian parties of leveraging anti-Hindi sentiments for political advantage.
"The Stalin government is advocating an anti-Hindi agenda, which is both objectionable and disgraceful. This phase of heightened opposition to Hindi could spell doom for Stalin. The entire nation stands united today, unlike the 1960s when similar movements emerged. Hindi has earned respect nationwide as an effective medium of communication," he highlighted.
He further cautioned that Tamil Nadu's resistance to Hindi might lead to adverse consequences.
"Individuals from Tamil Nadu conduct business in Hindi-speaking regions and communicate using Hindi. If they persist in this extreme stance, they risk isolating themselves, which would not serve Tamil Nadu's interests well," Nirupam warned.
