'Urdu Is Indian, Sanskrit Came from Outside': Congress MP's Statement Triggers Political Storm in Bihar

Patna: A new controversy has arisen in Bihar politics regarding language. A statement by Congress MP from Kishanganj Dr Mohammad Javed has heated up the political atmosphere. Speaking on the appointment of Urdu teachers and the status of Urdu, he said that Urdu is India's own language, while Sanskrit and English are languages brought from outside. As soon as his statement came out, BJP, JDU and many social organisations reacted sharply. Sanskrit scholars and various organisations have also objected to this comment, after which this matter has become a subject of political debate as well as discussion of linguistic history.

What did the Congress MP say?

The controversy started when Congress MPs participated in a protest organised in Kishanganj. During the programme, he raised the issue of appointment of Urdu teachers in Bihar and said that Urdu has the status of second official language in the state. During this, he also said that Urdu is a language developed in the soil of India, whereas Sanskrit and English are languages brought from outside. His statement quickly went viral on social media and after this a round of political reactions started.

What objection did BJP and JDU raise to the statement?

BJP leaders expressed strong displeasure over the MP's statement. He says that Sanskrit is considered the original language of Indian civilisation, philosophy and cultural heritage, hence calling it foreign is contrary to historical facts. JDU leaders also termed this comment as creating unnecessary controversy and said that instead of doing politics on the language issue, attention should be given to issues like education and development. Opposition parties allege that such statements create unnecessary ideological conflict in the society.

What was the opinion of scholars regarding Sanskrit and Urdu?

As the controversy escalated, many Sanskrit scholars and educationists opposed the MP's statement. He says that Sanskrit originated in the Indian subcontinent and has been the language of Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas and many ancient texts. At the same time, Urdu experts say that Urdu also developed from the fusion of different languages in the Indian subcontinent and it is recognised in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. Experts believe that both the languages have their own important place in Indian history and culture.

Will this dispute be limited to language only?

Political analysts believe that before the assembly elections in Bihar, issues related to language and identity can become a part of the political discussion. BJP is attacking Congress by linking this statement to cultural heritage, while Congress says that its MP had raised the issue of preservation of Urdu and appointment of teachers. In such a situation, the possibility of this dispute becoming more intense in the coming days cannot be ruled out.

Now what can happen next?

At present, the Congress MP has not publicly given any new clarification on his statement. On the other hand, various organisations have demanded an apology from him. Political parties are raising this issue in their own way, while linguists say that the history and development of any language should not be seen from a political perspective but on the basis of historical and linguistic facts. In the coming days, this controversy may remain a topic of discussion at both political and social levels.