'Language of Convenience': BJP's Annamalai backs R Ashwin's remark on Hindi

BJP Tamil Nadu President Annamalai (Image: X)

Cricketer R Ashwin recently stated that Hindi is not India's national language but is instead an official language. This viewpoint was echoed by BJP Tamil Nadu President Annamalai, who described Hindi as a "language of convenience."

During a convocation ceremony at a private college near Chennai on Thursday, the Tamil Nadu-born cricketer asked the students in what language they would prefer him to address them. When he called for a response from English-speaking students, they cheered loudly. He received an even stronger response when he mentioned "Tamil." However, when he said "Hindi," the audience fell silent.

"I feel it is important to say this: Hindi is not our national language; it is an official language," he remarked in Tamil.

In response to Ashwin's comments on Friday, Annamalai referred to Hindi as a "link language."

"That's correct. Hindi is not recognized as a national language, which is also what Annamalai is pointing out. It's not just my dear friend Ashwin saying this; it’s a broader consensus. Hindi has served as a link language and a means of convenience, but at no point am I or anyone else claiming that it holds the status of a national language, as Ashwin ji rightly mentioned."

The issue of "Hindi imposition" has long been a sensitive topic in Tamil Nadu, leading to numerous protests and campaigns over the years.

Last October, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK leader MK Stalin expressed his concerns to Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Chennai Doordarshan being linked with Hindi Month Celebrations. He suggested that events focused on Hindi should be reconsidered in non-Hindi speaking states.

"As you know, the Constitution of India does not designate any language as the national language. Hindi and English are primarily utilized for official purposes—such as legislation, judiciary proceedings, and communication between the Union and state governments. In a multilingual nation like India, giving special prominence to Hindi and organizing Hindi Month in states where Hindi is not the primary language is often perceived as an attempt to undermine other languages," Stalin noted.