Chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday extended her full support to the southern states on the language issue and said due respect should be accorded to every regional language.

“Whoever stays in our India, each state has its own character. Each state has its own language. Regional languages are our first priority. In every region, I support the regional language,” Mamata said in response to a question.

“My language is Bengali, I love my mother tongue. After that, if I have the option, I can go for any language. It depends on me. There should be a freedom. A freedom of choice...,” Mamata said.

“My full support to them (the southern states). We should accord due respect to every regional language…. You should not try to control everything.”