Hindi should be 2nd language: Home Minister

Ranchi : Seeking to put to rest the controversy over his remarks on Hindi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday said he has never asked for imposition of Hindi anywhere in the country but advocated its use as the second language. Shah said he has been repeatedly pitching for strengthening regional languages.

"I too come from a non-Hindi speaking state. I come from Gujarat where Gujarati is the language, not Hindi. One has to listen to my speech carefully. If someone wants to do politics, it is their choice," he said at an event organised by Hindi daily 'Hindustan' here.

He was referring to his speech on the occasion of Hindi Divas where he made a pitch for a common language for India, drawing strong reaction from southern parties which vowed to oppose any attempt to "impose" Hindi.

The Home Minister said to end the confusion, people should listen to his speech carefully where he repeatedly said that Indian languages should be strengthened and people should realise their necessity.

"I have just made the request. I have failed to understand what is wrong in that," he said. Shah, who is the BJP chief, said someday there has to be a movement in the country for strengthening local languages "or else India would be like New Zealand and Australia".

Don't impose Hindi, says Rajini Superstar Rajinikanth said the concept of a common langauge in India was not possible and asserted any attempts of Hindi imposition will not be only be resisted by southern states, but even many in the North.

The superstar said Hindi should not be imposed as the concept of a common language was "unfortunately" not possible in the country. "A common language not just for India but any country is good for its unity and progress.

Unfortunately, (one cannot) bring a common language in our country. So you cannot impose any language," he told reporters at the airport in Chennai. "Especially, if you impose Hindi, not just Tamil Nadu, no southern state will accept that. Many Sates in northern parts will also not accept that," he said.