Akhilesh Yadav Says Attacks on Urdu Undermine India’s Cultural Ethos

Speaking to party workers and the media, Yadav said that criticism directed at Urdu is not merely a linguistic disagreement but a challenge to the idea of Hindustaniyat—a term he used to describe India’s composite culture shaped by multiple languages and traditions. He contended that languages in India are carriers of shared history and social harmony, and that singling out any one of them weakens the broader national fabric.

Yadav also highlighted what he described as a contradiction among some critics, noting that many who oppose Urdu often articulate their arguments using the same language. This, he said, exposes the inconsistency of the resistance and underscores Urdu’s deep-rooted presence in everyday discourse, literature, and public life.

Emphasising respect for linguistic and cultural diversity, the Samajwadi Party leader reiterated that India’s strength lies in coexistence rather than uniformity. He urged a more inclusive approach to language debates, cautioning that politicising culture risks deepening divisions in a country historically bound by pluralism.

Yadav’s comments add to the ongoing national conversation on language, identity, and cultural coexistence, reinforcing calls from political leaders and cultural figures alike to safeguard India’s multilingual heritage as an essential pillar of its democratic and social values.