13 Apr : Facing criticism for his party’s election manifesto that wished to curb the use of English in education and govt work, Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav tried to dilute the matter by saying that he had no objections over studying the language but was against it being made compulsory in public life and government work.
"I have no objection if someone studying English but I am against its compulsion in public life and at government level", Yadav told reporters in Lucknow on Monday, adding that he was happy that his party’s manifesto had started a national debate over the issue.
About the use of computers, Yadav said that what his party’s manifesto meant was that "its use should be restricted where the job could be done manually."
"Computer should not be used where the job could be done manually, Yadav clarified, adding that, its excessive use had given rise to unemployment.
"Those opposing me or the party’s manifesto are either ignorant or selfish), Yadav said advocating the promotion of regional languages.
"Gandhi was Gujarati but he raised his voice in favor of Hindi. Those who forget mother tongue become slave of others", Yadav said defending his opposition to use of English.