Remove Hindi Signages From Bengaluru’s Namma Metro, Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Writes to Centre

"Centre should use a persuasive approach towards the use of Hindi, rather than a mandatory one," Siddaramaiah said.

Updated: July 28, 2017 5:52 PM IST

By Mohammed Uzair Shaikh

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (PTI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah (File Photo/PTI)

Bengaluru, July 28: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to Centre on Friday, seeking complete removal of the Hindi signages installed at the Namma Metro. Siddaramaiah appealed the Union government to “respect the cultural sentiments” of the people of Karnataka.

In his letter addressed to Narendra Singh Tomar, the Union Minister for Urban Development, Siddaramaiah said the attempt to impose Hindi on the native residents would have a repulsive effect. “Centre should use a persuasive approach towards the use of Hindi, rather than a mandatory one,” he stated.

“The cultural aspirations and sentiments of the people of Karnataka needs to be respected. Apart from the cultural need, Centre should give primacy to the language of the state,” Siddaramaiah reportedly said. ALSO READ: Pro-Kannada activists deface Hindi display signs at metro stations

The Karnataka CM further argued that it would be convenient to use sign boards in language which the vast section of the population understands. “It is also practical to use those languages which local people can read and follow. It is not essential to use Hindi in signages as the commuters who use the metro are comfortable with regarding and understanding Kannada and English,” the letter further read.

Siddaramiah’s message to Centre comes in the wake of ongoing protest by Kannadiga groups over the use of Hindi signages in the Bengaluru Metro. The Kannada activists have accused the Centre of imposing Hindi on the native population, despite their objection.

The Congress government in the state has ordered the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) to design temporary signages in Kannada to replace those installed in Hindi. However, it would require the approval of Centre to permanently remove the Hindi signages.

The Namma Metro was inaugurated in the past month, nearly 7 years after the project was initiated by the erstwhile government at Centre, led by Dr Manmohan Singh. Since Centre and State are equitable partners in the project, the State could not take the unilateral decision of removing the Hindi signages, experts claim.

The controversy over the use of Hindi signages erupted in wake of forthcoming assembly elections in the state next year. The BJP, which is the prime Opposition in the state, is being cornered by the ruling Congress over the alleged imposition of Hindi by Centre. The saffron party’s state unit is reluctant to endorse the stance of Kannadiga groups, considering the party’s central leadership’s position over the issue.

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