The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Tuesday strongly criticized the BJP-led central government for its decision to make Sanskrit a compulsory subject while relegating Punjabi to an optional status in Army schools located in Punjab. The party accused the Centre of attempting to undermine Punjab's distinct identity, language, and cultural heritage.
AAP's Strong Reaction
Baltej Pannu, the media in-charge of AAP's Punjab unit, asserted that the BJP's repeated anti-Punjab decisions have consistently sparked public anger and controversy. He listed several past moves by the Centre, including attempts to keep Chandigarh under direct central control, efforts to bring Panjab University under Haryana's jurisdiction, and the push to transfer management of the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) to the Centre. According to Pannu, these actions demonstrate a pattern of weakening Punjab at every opportunity.
Linguistic Discrimination Alleged
Clarifying AAP's stance, Pannu stated, "We are not opposed to any language, but relegating Punjabi to a secondary status on the soil of Punjab is completely unacceptable." He emphasized that Punjabis take immense pride in their mother tongue and are prepared to fight at every level to protect its dignity and honor. He described the decision as not just an act of linguistic discrimination but a deeper conspiracy to disconnect Punjab from its cultural roots.
Demand for Reversal
Pannu demanded that the Centre immediately revoke what he termed an anti-people and anti-Punjab decision. He warned that Punjabis have always stood united against any insult to their mother tongue and will continue to strongly oppose such authoritarian policies from the Centre in the future.
Context and Background
The controversy erupted after reports emerged that Army schools in Punjab had made Sanskrit compulsory while offering Punjabi only as an optional subject. This move has been widely criticized by political leaders and cultural activists in the state, who view it as an attempt to dilute the importance of the Punjabi language. The AAP's strong reaction reflects the broader sentiment in Punjab, where language and cultural identity are deeply cherished.
