In what many see as a significant shift in the ongoing debate over the use of Hindi in official communication, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has issued a formal reply in Malayalam to Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas from Kerala. The response, dated November 14, marks the first time the Home Minister has addressed an MP entirely in a South Indian regional language.
A Departure From Usual Language Protocol
Until now, Shah’s replies to parliamentarians were typically issued in Hindi and English, even as several MPs from southern states raised concerns about what they described as the increasing imposition of Hindi in official correspondence.
Some MPs had earlier alleged that a few Union ministers insisted on using only Hindi in replies, a move they argued went against India’s linguistic diversity. The Home Minister’s Malayalam response is therefore being viewed as a potential turning point in the long-running language debate.
Response to Brittas’ Letter
Shah’s letter acknowledges the communication sent by MP John Brittas, concluding simply with thanks and the Home Minister’s signature. Though the contents of Brittas’ original letter have not been fully disclosed, the Malayalam reply has drawn wide attention in political and administrative circles.
Brittas had previously raised concerns in Parliament and public forums about the Centre’s approach to official-language policy, urging the government to uphold the constitutional principle of linguistic equality.
Broader Context of the Language Row
The exchange comes amid persistent discussions around the use of regional languages in governance. MPs from Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana have frequently criticized what they perceive as pressure to prioritize Hindi in central communications.
The Home Minister’s latest response is being interpreted as a gesture acknowledging regional linguistic rights and easing tensions around the alleged “Hindi imposition” issue.
Implications for Future Correspondence
Political observers suggest that this development could encourage more multilingual communication from the Centre, especially when corresponding with MPs and citizens from non-Hindi-speaking states.
For now, Shah’s Malayalam letter to Brittas stands out as a rare and symbolic moment in India’s evolving language policy conversations.
