The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the Congress government’s move to make Hindi optional in Class 10 board exams. R. Ashoka, the Karnataka Leader of the Opposition, condemned the decision, citing the support of former Prime Ministers Nehru and Indira Gandhi for promoting Hindi. He questioned the introduction of the three-language formula in Karnataka and highlighted Mahatma Gandhi’s role in promoting Hindi.
The BJP leader expressed disappointment over the sudden removal of Hindi as a third language in schools across Karnataka. Ashoka accused the state government of playing politics with the decision, stating that it has adversely affected students’ futures. He emphasized that the move was not motivated by a love for Kannada but was purely political in nature.
The Congress government defended its decision, stating that the move aimed to reduce academic pressure on SSLC students. The ‘third language’ in SSLC exams will now be graded, with no pass or fail system. This change will apply to all third languages, including Hindi, Sanskrit, Tulu, Marathi, and Arabic. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah clarified that the government supports children learning Hindi in schools.
