From Editor's Desk: Language of Congress and BJP

Chaitra Krushna Chaturdashi

It is said that in the current election propaganda Marathi language issue might prove dangerous for BJP; but it appears that voters would not feel that way. The have become wise. This is parliamentary election. The main parties are Congress and BJP. Congress has enjoyed the power for a long time. Shri. Nehru, first Prime Minister of Bharat, used to write letters to his mother in English. Regional congress parties and official ICS officers expressed that they would like to follow Hindi as the official language for all practical purposes and they were prepared for it; but Nehru turned it down saying that Hindi was not a developed language and maintained English as the official language. President Dr. Rajendraprasad suggested, “Nehru should use Hindi language at his residence while entertaining the foreign dignitaries making necessary arrangements for interpreters, so as to make the world know about the language prevailing in our big country”. Nehru made fun of the President and Hindi laughing over the suggestion and said emphatically that he would speak in English only. When Smt. Vijayalaxmi Pandit, Nehru’s sister, was appointed as ambassador in Russia, she gave her introduction in English; but she was asked to submit it in Hindi. When Gandhiji suggested, “Let Urdu be the State language in Uttar Pradesh”, one self-respecting Congress minister dismissed it straight away. Gandhiji never wanted to have Hindi having/comprising of Sanskrut words but was in favour of Hindi with Urdu words. Even the list of names published in a film is in English, Hindi and Urdu too. This is due to Gandhiji’s earnest pressing. Congress wanted to give first preference to English and Urdu and the last to Hindi. But it could not happen due to pressure from people. Sangh was instrumental in such pressure to a certain extent. Shri. Rajwade, History writer has mentioned that due to Shivaji Maharaj, Hindi and its dialects were saved from the influence of Farsi language. Sangha celebrates Shivaji Maharaj’s coronation for the last 80 years very faithfully. Sangh and BJP influenced by Sangh use Hindi as their official language rather than English. Shri. Atal Bihari Vajpayee who was prime Minister, always used Hindi Language while giving speeches in the Parliament, meetings and United Nations though he knew English very well. BJP leaders in the South also speak in Hindi. Sangh has its main office in Nagpur. So they all know Marahi very well. Sarsanghchalak Shri. Sudarshanji who retired recently could read and write Marathi easily. BJP cannot have step-motherly attitude towards Marathi. The question is of English with Urdu as against Hindi. If Nation survives Maharashtra would survive. If Hindi survives then do Marathi. It is important that BJP should win the Parliamentary elections. As far as Marathi is concerned the victory of BJP includes that of ‘Manasa’. Hope that the wise voter would keep in mind all that is said earlier and cast his vote. – Sharsandhan by Sughosh

Source: Dainik Sanatan Prabhat