New Delhi [India]: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Saturday emphasized the need to end divisions based on language and reaffirmed the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) commitment to safeguarding Hindi and all Indian languages.
Language Should Unite, Not Divide
Speaking at an event commemorating Tamil warrior queen Rani Velu Nachiyar, Rajnath Singh addressed the ongoing debate over Hindi and Tamil, urging for cooperation rather than conflict.
“Some people are unnecessarily creating controversy over Tamil and Hindi languages. However, the BJP is fully committed to protecting Hindi and all other Indian languages, and we are working towards that. There is no competition between Hindi and other Indian languages, but rather a spirit of cooperation among them. Hindi strengthens all Indian languages, and all Indian languages strengthen Hindi,” Singh said.
He further urged that the tendency to divide the country based on language must stop, adding that women can play a vital role in spreading this message effectively.
Tamil Nadu vs Centre on Language Policy
Singh’s remarks come amid ongoing tensions between the Tamil Nadu government and the Centre regarding the three-language formula proposed in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the delimitation exercise. Tamil Nadu, under Chief Minister MK Stalin, has been vocal in opposing Hindi imposition and advocating for linguistic autonomy.
Women Empowerment and BJP’s Commitment
During his speech, Singh also highlighted the BJP government’s efforts to empower women, stating that women’s participation is crucial for a self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat).
“We passed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, ensuring reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies. When I was the party president, I also ensured that women held at least 33 per cent representation within the party organization. Without the support and empowerment of women, building a strong and Atmanirbhar Bharat is impossible,” he said.
PM Modi’s Focus on Women-Led Development
Singh praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in promoting women-led development, noting that this was a concept that had never been discussed before Modi’s tenure.
“Today, our Prime Minister has shown complete faith in the strength and power of women. There’s a growing focus on women-led development in the country. Before Modi ji, no one ever discussed women-led development,” he stated.
Singh’s speech underlined the BJP’s dual commitment to language unity and women’s empowerment, urging citizens to move beyond linguistic divisions and focus on national progress.