Heated Debate in Uttar Pradesh Assembly Over Use of Regional Languages and English

Lucknow: The budget session of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly commenced with a heated exchange between the ruling party and the opposition, centering around the use of regional languages and English in legislative proceedings. The controversy erupted after Leader of Opposition Mata Prasad Pandey objected to the use of languages such as Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Braj, Bundelkhandi, and English in the Assembly.

The debate intensified when Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath strongly countered Pandey’s remarks. Addressing the House, CM Yogi criticized the opposition’s stance, stating, "You send your children to English-medium schools, yet you want the common people’s children to study Urdu and push the country towards radicalism. This will not be tolerated."

Speaker’s Stand on Language Choice

Amid the escalating debate, Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana clarified that members are free to express themselves in their preferred language. However, Pandey reiterated his opposition, stating that while regional languages such as Bhojpuri, Awadhi, Braj, and Bundelkhandi were acceptable, English should not be permitted in Assembly proceedings. Questioning the inclusion of English, he remarked, "If English is allowed, then why not Urdu?"

CM Yogi's Counterattack

Responding sharply, CM Yogi asserted that his government respects and promotes regional languages, referring to them as "daughters of Hindi." He accused the opposition of consistently taking a contradictory stance, stating, "Their only agenda is to oppose every progressive initiative."

He further criticized the opposition’s stance on language, pointing out an apparent double standard. "You oppose the use of Hindi and Bhojpuri while advocating for Urdu. Samajwadi leaders follow a dual policy—they enroll their own children in English-medium schools while sending children of common citizens to institutions that lack proper facilities."

‘Exposing the Hypocrisy of Socialists’

The Chief Minister concluded by emphasizing his government’s commitment to preserving regional languages through the establishment of dedicated academies. He accused the opposition of politicizing the issue, stating, "You oppose every good initiative—that is the hypocrisy of your politics. You promote English education for your own children but advocate Urdu for others. Your agenda is to produce Maulvis and push the country towards radicalization."

CM Yogi urged the nation to recognize what he described as the "hypocrisy of socialists," reinforcing his government’s stand on strengthening regional languages while ensuring that every individual’s linguistic preferences are respected.