Hindi imposition: MK Stalin warns of protests

Chennai: Days after Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks on upholding Hindi above other languages, all hell broke loose in Tamil Nadu. A place that has a long history of protests against alleged Hindi imposition in the State.

Though Stalin reacted sharply on the same day, what is interesting is that he stated that protests will break out against Hindi, quite openly.

Speaking at an event in Chennai on Sunday, Stalin said, "Amit Shah’s ‘One Nation One Language’ policy is seen as a deliberate attempt to make the non-native Hindi speakers feel as the second-class citizens of this country."

Not just the DMK, but Congress, Left, VCK, MDMK and even Kamal's Makkal Needhi Maiam joined the chorus against this remark.

Speaking to us, a senior Congress leader said, "We are not against learning any new language. The manner in which they are trying to impose it is being opposed."

Only if they are given to us with love and no compulsion, we would welcome it, he added.

Kamal Haasan, who is hosting Bigg Boss season 3 in Tamil on Saturday shared his opinion on the issue on air.

Speaking at the show, he said, "Never try to impose any language. We are not against anyone. But forcing us to learn is not the right way."

However, a few dub it as a double standard by the DMK.

On condition of anonymity, a BJP sympathizer, said, "Wonder why DMK is making a big issue. Amit Shah clearly said that the mother tongue of every State should be preserved. They have clearly hidden that and are issuing statements. Remember in schools run by the DMK leaders, learning Hindi is compulsory. Speaking in Tamil meant fine for students. It is clearly a vote bank political tactic by them."

Recently Udhayanidhi Stalin in a meeting of DMK youth wing, said, "Tamil job is for Tamils and slammed the Centre of indulging anti-Tamil activities. It may be a ploy to steer voters away from Tamil movements like Naam Thamimzhaar by Seeman."