Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Thursday voiced strong opposition to the Kerala government’s proposed Malayalam Language Bill, 2025, describing it as a coercive measure that undermines constitutional protections granted to linguistic minorities. The Bill seeks to make Malayalam the compulsory first language in schools across Kerala, including Kannada-medium institutions, a move Siddaramaiah said violates the spirit of India’s linguistic diversity.
In a detailed post on X, Siddaramaiah stressed that India’s unity is rooted in respect for all languages and in safeguarding every citizen’s right to learn and grow in their mother tongue. He argued that the proposed legislation, especially its implementation in border districts such as Kasaragod, strikes at the core of linguistic freedom and disregards the social and cultural realities of Kannada-speaking communities living in those regions.
The Chief Minister emphasised that for children belonging to linguistic minorities, language is not merely an academic subject but a matter of identity, dignity, access and opportunity. He warned that enforcing a single first-language option would impose an unnecessary burden on students, disrupt their learning confidence, restrict linguistic choices and weaken minority-run educational institutions that have historically served local communities.
Siddaramaiah pointed out that for generations, residents in Kasaragod’s border belt have pursued education in Kannada-medium schools and continue to use Kannada in everyday life. He cited feedback from local representatives indicating that a significant majority of families in the area prefer Kannada as the medium of instruction and script. Clarifying his position, he said this preference does not threaten Malayalam in any way but instead reflects India’s pluralistic and inclusive cultural fabric.
Referring to constitutional safeguards, Siddaramaiah said Articles 29 and 30 protect the rights of linguistic minorities, while Articles 350A and 350B specifically mandate mother-tongue instruction and institutional oversight for such communities. He underlined that the promotion of a language must not turn into imposition, warning that if the Bill is enacted in its current form, Karnataka would oppose it using all constitutional avenues available.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Border Areas Development Authority said that Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar has assured a comprehensive review of the Bill. This assurance came after a delegation submitted a memorandum urging that the proposed law be stalled and reconsidered in light of its potential impact on Kannada-speaking minorities.
In an official press release, the Authority described the Bill as wholly unconstitutional and detrimental to the interests of linguistic minorities. It also recalled that a similar proposal had earlier been returned by the President, noting that the current Bill once again appeared to violate established constitutional protections.
The Malayalam Language Bill, 2025, was introduced by the LDF government during the October 2025 session of the Kerala Assembly with the stated aim of placing Malayalam at the centre of administration, education and technology. Since then, the Bill has been referred to a Subject Committee for further examination.
The issue has also triggered sharp political reactions in Karnataka. BJP leader R. Ashoka accused the Congress of following double standards on matters concerning Kannadigas. In a post on X, Ashoka alleged that while Priyanka Gandhi, the Wayanad MP, is quick to intervene and seek support from Karnataka during crises in Kerala, she remains silent when Kannada-speaking communities face discrimination or threats to their linguistic rights.
Ashoka questioned whether Priyanka Gandhi would oppose the Malayalam Language Bill and asked whether values such as linguistic freedom, compassion and humanitarian concern were selectively applied under Congress politics. He further criticised Congress leaders in Karnataka, alleging that they had previously accommodated Kerala’s interests on sensitive issues like Bandipur night traffic but were unwilling to show similar resolve in defending Kannada language and identity.
Accusing what he termed the Kerala lobby within the Congress of treating Karnataka as a convenient political bargaining chip, Ashoka said Kannadigas were closely watching developments. He warned that continued silence on the issue would not go unnoticed and that public sentiment on linguistic rights was steadily building.
