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Rajinikanth supports Shah's 'one language' policy, but explains the problem

Rajinikanth supports Shah's 'one language' policy, but explains the problem

By Shalini Ojha
Sep 18, 2019
03:08 pm
What's the story

Union Home Minister Amit Shah stoked a controversy on Hindi Diwas last week when he batted for "imposing" Hindi in the country, saying it will bolster unity. His idea was panned by several politicians, and now Rajinikanth has also given his two cents on it. While agreeing with the concept, the superstar-politician said one language can't be forced across India's length and breadth.

What he said

Hindi imposition will not be accepted by many: Rajinikanth

Speaking to reporters at Chennai airport on Wednesday, Rajinikanth said, "A common language in any country will help its unity and development. Unfortunately, it is not possible in India. Not just Hindi, the imposition of any language will not be accepted by states in the south and even some in North India." He underlined that the Hindi language should not be imposed.

Reaction

Yediyurappa, seen as close to Shah, also rejected the idea

Shah's suggestion for a "wider use" of Hindi language didn't even sit well with Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP leader BS Yediyurappa. "As far as Karnataka is concerned, Kannada is the principal language. We will never compromise its importance," Yediyurappa, who took office after the untimely collapse of JD(S)-Congress coalition, said. His Kerala counterpart Pinarayi Vijayan called the claim that Hindi unifies India "absurd".

Warning

Kamal Haasan went as far as warning Shah

Separately, actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan also staunchly protested the idea. He warned that if the Centre goes ahead with any such plan, an "agitation worse that Jallikkattu protest" will be sparked. "Unity in diversity is a promise we made when India became a republic. Now no Shah, Sultan or Samrat should renege on that promises," the founder of Makkal Needhi Maiam party said on Monday.

Looking back

Shah's comments gave us a jolt, Stalin had said

On the day when Shah made these remarks, DMK Chief MK Stalin asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to "clarify" and said a language war might start too. "We have been continuously waging protests against the imposition of Hindi. Today's remarks made by Amit Shah gave us a jolt. It will affect the unity of the country," he had written on Twitter.

Do you know?

DMK has announced demonstrations against "language imposition"

As it turns out, DMK has announced demonstrations across Tamil Nadu on September 20 to lodge a protest against Shah's suggestion. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also said that while all languages should be respected, one should never forget their mother tongue.

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