Centre should give up attempt to impose Hindi, says Jayakumar

CHENNAI: Senior AIADMK leader D Jayakumar on Monday said Hindi is “unwanted” for Tamil Nadu and dissuaded the Central government from imposing Hindi language.

“The AIADMK party is firm in its two-language policy. It would not compromise on its stand under any circumstances. English should remain as a connecting language,” said the former fisheries minister.

He cautioned the BJP government at the Centre by stating that the Congress party was unable to regain its lost ground in Tamil Nadu following its attempt to impose Hindi language in 1965. It resulted in loss of lives. “The Centre should have realised this. It should give up its attempt to impose Hindi. We are firm and clear on our stand on two language policy and we will not accept Hindi,” Jayakumar said.

His remarks came in wake of the Union Home Minister Amit Shah-led panel on official language recommendations that the medium of instruction in technical and non-technical institutions should be in Hindi language.

Meanwhile, Jayakumar hit out at the ruling DMK party that it weaponises the language sentiment and race identity for its political gain.

“They have a double standard on language policy. When they are in opposition, they speak about a two language policy. Once they come to power, they will promote three language policies discreetly,” Jayakumar said to take a dig at Chief Minister MK Stalin, who stated that "dont force yet another language war on us".