Dominance of Hindi, Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi Slams Government

Recalling decades-long history of opposing Hindi imposition and his party's role in it, Karunanidhi said at a time when the aspirations of a diverse section of people needs to be addressed through constructive efforts, showing interest in a language for communication would become diversionary.

There is also a stiff opposition from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. Firing off a letter to Prime Minister Modi, Jayalalithaa described the Home Ministry's proposal as "against the letter and spirit" of the Official Languages Act, 1963," while pointing out that the "highly sensitive issue" caused "disquiet" to the people of Tamil Nadu "who are very proud of and passionate about their linguistic heritage". This move would therefore be against the letter and spirit of the Official Languages Act, 1963," she said.

“As you are aware, as per the Official Languages Rules, 1976, communications from a Central government office to a State or Union Territory in Region “C” or to any office (not being a Central government office) or person in such State shall be in English.”

“This provision has been introduced following the introduction of a mandatory proviso in Section 3(1) of the Official Languages Act, 1963, by an amendment in 1968, which states (that), ‘English language shall be used for purposes of communication between the Union and a State, which has not adopted Hindi as its official language,” she pointed out.

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