The ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India is intensifying its campaign to promote Hindi, with a senior government minister suggesting that English speakers may soon feel ashamed. This move has ignited widespread controversy and resistance, as various groups and communities oppose the linguistic shift. The tension reflects deeper cultural and political divides within the country.
The BJP, which has been in power since 2014, has long championed Hindi as a unifying national language, arguing that it will foster greater national cohesion and reduce regional disparities. However, the push for Hindi has been met with criticism from linguistic minorities, who fear marginalization. English, widely used in education, business, and the legal system, is seen by many as a symbol of opportunity and global connectivity.
Opposition parties have condemned the BJP’s stance, warning that the policy could alienate significant portions of the population. Cultural groups and activists have also raised concerns about the potential erosion of linguistic diversity and the impact on minority communities. As the debate intensifies, the issue highlights the complex interplay between language, identity, and political power in India.