Bengaluru, Sep 12: JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy has written a letter to Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai on Monday, urging his government not to celebrate 'Hindi Diwas' by utilising the taxpayers' money.
The former Chief Minister said that forcefully celebrating Hindi Diwas, which happens to be on September 14, would amount to "injustice" to the people of Karnataka.
"Celebrating the Union government-sponsored Hindi Diwas programme on September 14, forcefully in Karnataka, will be an injustice to Kannadigas by the State government. I urge that for no reason Karnataka government should celebrate Hindi Diwas by utilising the State's taxpayers' money," Kumaraswamy said in his letter.
Noting that thousands of languages and dialects, over 560 princely States, and diverse social and cultural practices make India a "great union", he said, "In such a land, celebrating one particular language is injustice..."
Earlier, Kumaraswamy had opposed the Hindi Diwas celebrations, stating that it holds no meaning for those whose mother tongue is not Hindi, and demanded it be scrapped.
There was a large-scale social media outrage, also protests by pro-Kannada organisations to Hindi Diwas last year, calling it "imposition of Hindi".
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Mumbai, Apr 26 (PTI): Union minister Piyush Goyal has said that as long as all 140 crore Indians do not consider patriotism and nationalism as their param dharma, Pahalgam-type incidents will continue to trouble the nation.
He emphasised that such acts would never break India's spirit.
Speaking to reporters here on Friday, Goyal asserted that the conviction of the people would ensure the resumption of tourism in Kashmir soon, and pilgrims will continue their Amarnath Yatra.
He said India's rising global stature was troubling certain forces.
"These incidents represent the desperate last efforts of those powers. It is an unbearable attack, but we will not spare anyone," the Union Commerce Minister added.
"As long as all 140 crore Indians do not consider patriotism and nationalism as their param dharma, such types of incidents will continue to trouble our country. However, India has enough strength to give a befitting response," the minister said.
Highlighting India's success in countering internal threats, Goyal said, "Just as we are rapidly eliminating naxalism, we will similarly defeat terrorism. India's strength and determination are unshakable."
When asked about Pakistani nationals overstaying their visas in India, Goyal said, "We have already announced and informed them to leave the country. No one will be allowed to stay here illegally."
Addressing concerns that the attack might affect tourism in Kashmir, Goyal added, "The people of Bharat have the power, courage, and confidence. Tourism will resume soon, pilgrims will continue their Amarnath Yatra, and Kashmir will remain firmly on the path of progress. No one can stop it."
Twenty-six persons, mostly tourists, were killed when terrorists sprayed bullets on them at a popular meadow in Pahalgam in Kashmir on April 22.
Amid the anguish and anger over the brutal killings, India announced a slew of diplomatic measures, including suspending the Indus Water Treaty, against Pakistan.