Why only Urdu...! Here's what CM Yogi clutches Samajwadi Party over Urdu debate| READ

Uttar Pradesh: In a groundbreaking move, the Uttar Pradesh Assembly now offers broadcasts in several regional languages, aimed at better connecting rural residents to the democratic process. But an exchange in the assembly has sparked controversy over the inclusion of Urdu alongside regional languages.

CM Yogi pushes for regional language inclusion in assembly

In a major development aimed at inclusivity, Uttar Pradesh has become the first state to introduce multilingual broadcasts of its Assembly proceedings. Available in Awadhi, Bhojpuri, Bundeli, Braj, and English, this initiative allows even rural residents to connect with legislative affairs in their native dialects. However, tensions rose when a Samajwadi Party MLA questioned the exclusion of Urdu from the broadcast, despite the inclusion of English. The MLA argued that if English is included, then Urdu, a language with deep cultural significance, should also be part of the proceedings.

CM Yogi : अपने बच्चों को अंग्रेजी में पढ़ाएंगे, और दूसरों को उर्दू पढ़ाने की सलाह देंगे—कठमुल्ला और मौलवी बनाना नहीं चलेगा! #YogiAdityanath pic.twitter.com/7xxapzIhKg

— Meenu Thakur (@JournoMeenu) February 18, 2025

In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath fired back, questioning the party's selective opposition. He asked why the Samajwadi Party only advocates for Urdu, ignoring other local languages like Awadhi and Bundelkhandi. The CM emphasized that the initiative was intended to empower rural communities and bring them closer to the democratic process.

Historic move for rural connectivity and multilingual democracy

The historic move is a significant shift towards inclusivity in governance, allowing members to address the House in their preferred dialects. Headphones will enable attendees to hear speeches in various regional languages, with live translations available in Hindi. This development highlights the ongoing dialogue around language politics in Uttar Pradesh, with CM Yogi pushing for a balance between regional languages and national inclusion. The move reflects the state's commitment to bridging the gap between urban and rural populations.