Hindi Should Not Be Imposed: AIMIM Leader Waris Pathan on Language Row in Maharashtra
The ongoing debate over the status of Hindi in Maharashtra has sparked significant political discourse, with AIMIM leader and former MLA Waris Pathan weighing in on the matter. His remarks come amid rising tensions surrounding language politics in the state, particularly as the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections approach after a seven-year hiatus.
Pathan firmly believes that Hindi, while an important national language, should not be imposed on the diverse linguistic landscape of Maharashtra. Speaking to IANS, he emphasized the need for inclusivity in language use, stating, “Language should never be a source of division.” His multilingual capabilities—fluent in Hindi, English, Marathi, and Gujarati—underscore his belief in the importance of embracing linguistic diversity.
The controversy has been fueled by protests from prominent political figures, including Raj and Uddhav Thackeray, who have voiced concerns over the increasing prominence of Hindi in the state. Pathan welcomed the idea of a reunion between the Thackeray brothers, suggesting that they should focus on pressing urban issues such as corruption, potholes, and mismanagement in Mumbai rather than getting embroiled in language disputes.
Critically, Pathan directed his ire towards the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing its leaders of inciting language chauvinism. He argued that the party’s rhetoric around language is often hypocritical, especially when they claim to eliminate English while simultaneously using it for political gain. “In a democracy, you can’t force people to speak only one language,” he asserted, highlighting the need for mutual respect among different linguistic communities.
Pathan’s comments also reflect a broader concern about the politicization of language and identity in India. He pointed out that the BJP often resorts to religious polarization during elections, particularly targeting the Muslim community. “They want 90 percent of Muslim votes but remain silent on issues like mob lynchings and discrimination against Muslims,” he claimed, calling this behavior sheer hypocrisy.
As political temperatures rise in Mumbai, the intersection of regional identity, language politics, and civic issues is becoming increasingly prominent. The upcoming BMC elections are set to be a litmus test for various political parties, as they navigate the complexities of language and identity in a diverse urban landscape.
Pathan’s stance serves as a reminder that language should be a bridge rather than a barrier, fostering unity in a country characterized by its rich tapestry of cultures and languages. His call for dialogue and focus on substantive issues resonates with many who seek a more inclusive approach to governance and community relations in Maharashtra.
