The Union home minister’s controversial statement carries deep political and global implications, touching on issues of national identity, linguistic divisions, social mobility, intellectualism and India’s international image.
Non-Hindi speaking states, especially those in the South, East and the Northeast, are likely to see Shah’s statement as yet another attempt by the Hindutva regime to impose a narrow, Hindi-centric identity on the entire country, further deepening regional divides and resentment.
Shah’s statement is not just divisive; it is dangerous. It threatens social mobility, sows linguistic discord, risks India’s global standing, fosters anti-intellectualism and distracts from the real challenges facing the country.
20/06/2025