New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has issued an official response in Malayalam to CPI(M) MP John Brittas, marking a noteworthy departure from the usual practice of using Hindi or English in central communications. The move has drawn attention not only for its rarity but also for its timing, as Kerala enters an active political phase and the BJP seeks to broaden its presence in the state after securing its first Lok Sabha seat there in 2024.
The choice of language has added significance given Brittas’ continued advocacy for linguistic equality in parliamentary proceedings. He has frequently highlighted the challenges faced by members who struggle to follow extended speeches in Hindi and has argued that equal access to translation is essential for meaningful participation in the legislative process.
Shah’s letter, dated November 14, responded to Brittas’ earlier representation from October 22 concerning the notification that allows cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India registration on the basis of chargesheeting. Brittas had argued that such a provision undermines due process and exposes OCI cardholders to decisions made without judicial scrutiny. He stressed that the OCI framework has long served as a vital link between India and its global community, representing continuity and emotional connection for millions abroad.
While the Home Minister’s response was procedural in nature, it included a complete Malayalam translation alongside Hindi, a gesture that signalled acknowledgment of the language used to raise the concerns. This has taken on added political meaning at a time when discussions surrounding linguistic federalism and cultural identity are gaining sharper focus across the southern states.
Brittas has maintained that the underlying constitutional issues remain unresolved, reiterating his view that the August 12 notification stretches beyond the limits of the Citizenship Act of 1955. As the legal debate continues, the use of Malayalam in an official reply has introduced a new dimension to the broader political discourse in Kerala, where language is deeply tied to representation and public sentiment.
