Language war: Andhra Pradesh leaders back Hindi, MK Stalin calls it divisive

A clear divide on language policy is emerging among southern political figures. Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandra Babu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan, and former Chief Minister YSR Jaganmohan Reddy have all voiced support for learning Hindi. Reddy clarified his position, stating, "while it is clear Hindi is our national language, but mother tongue should always come first, followed by English and then Hindi."  In sharp contrast, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has consistently described Hindi as an impractical and divisive language, alleging that the central government is pushing for its imposition. An unidentified speaker in the debate affirmed Hindi's status, asking, "It is a national language, what is there to pitch? Obviously it is a national language."