Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has criticized the politics over language, asserting that states whose leaders engage in such divisive tactics are witnessing a gradual decline.
In an exclusive interview with PTI, Adityanath highlighted that Uttar Pradesh is generating significant employment opportunities, and narrow political debates over language could adversely affect the prospects of young job seekers.
“New job opportunities are emerging in Uttar Pradesh. People who are fueling language controversies may serve their political interests, but they are ultimately harming employment prospects for the youth,” the Chief Minister stated.
When asked if he was referring to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, Adityanath responded, “Whoever is engaging in such politics, they are responsible for their states’ decline. They have no substantial issues, so they resort to inflaming emotions for political gain.”
Advocating for National Unity Through Language
Adityanath emphasized that languages such as Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali, and Marathi should serve as pillars of national unity rather than sources of division.
He pointed out that the Uttar Pradesh government has taken proactive steps to teach these regional languages in its educational institutions. “Does this diminish Uttar Pradesh in any way? Does it make UP look small?” he questioned, underscoring the importance of linguistic inclusivity.
Supporting the Three-Language Formula
The Chief Minister reiterated his support for India’s three-language formula, which promotes respect for Hindi while ensuring the preservation and dignity of regional languages.
“This formula ensures that regional languages receive due recognition. Every language has its own richness, which strengthens national unity,” he remarked.
Adityanath further stated that India’s diverse linguistic traditions enrich the country’s cultural fabric. He cited the Kashi Tamil Sangamam as a prime example of this unity, as it brings together two of India’s oldest languages—Tamil and Sanskrit—highlighting their shared heritage.
With Uttar Pradesh focusing on inclusive linguistic education and employment generation, Adityanath’s remarks underscore a broader vision of national integration through cultural and linguistic harmony.
