MPRF preparing to establish Hindi as language in Nepal, says VP Jha

KATHMANDU, July 26 - Vice President Paramananda Jha Saturday defended his action of taking the oath of office and secrecy on Wednesday in Hindi by saying that his party, the Madhesi People's Rights Forum (MPRF), has adopted the policy of establishing Hindi as one of Nepal's official languages.The newly elected ... ...President, Jha, claimed that he took the oath of office and secrecy in Hindi as the language has become indispensable in Nepal. His action sparked off nationwide protests led by students who on Friday sent the new vice president an exercise book in Nepali.He said that the MPRF has been preparing to establish Hindi as one of the languages in the soon-to-be drafted constitution.Jha also clarified that he took the oath in Hindi to respect the aspirations of Terai residents who played a crucial role in taking him to such a high position of Vice-President.The first Vice-President of Nepal said that language was not an issue in a republic Nepal and went on to claim that only a few elements who wanted to fulfil their vested interests took out the protests.While saying that he will comply with the Supreme Court verdict, Jha also said that he has not even thought of rectifying his error as he has not made any mistake by using Hindi.Various organisations and student unions affiliated to parties have been carrying out massive protests against Vice President Parmananda Jha's use of Hindi while being sworn in as vice president. Likewise, a civil writ has been filed at the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday demanding nullification of the oath taken by the Vice President.On Wednesday, clad in Nepali attire President Dr Yadav had administered the oath in the Nepali language while the Vice President, who was dressed in what seemed like an Indian lawmaker's outfit, translated the oath which was written in Nepali and said it in Hindi.

Add to: del.icio.us | Digg