Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah urges Kerala to reconsider the proposed Malayalam Language Bill, citing constitutional protections and concerns over linguistic minorities
Bengaluru
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan expressing serious concern over the proposed Malayalam Language Bill, which seeks to make Malayalam the compulsory first language even in Kannada-medium schools, particularly in border districts such as Kasaragod.
In his letter, Siddaramaiah said the relationship between Karnataka and Kerala has long been guided by mutual respect, cooperative federalism and shared constitutional responsibility. He stressed that India’s strength lies in its linguistic and cultural plurality, which has thrived through coexistence rather than compulsion.
Highlighting the unique linguistic fabric of border regions like Kasaragod, the Chief Minister noted that Malayalam, Kannada, Tulu, Beary and several other languages have coexisted harmoniously for generations. He warned that mandating a single language could burden children, weaken minority-run educational institutions and disrupt established educational systems trusted by local communities.
Siddaramaiah pointed out that a significant section of Kasaragod’s population, particularly in the border belt, prefers Kannada-medium education due to long-standing social, cultural and economic ties with Karnataka. Respecting this reality, he said, would strengthen India’s plural character rather than undermine Malayalam.
Referring to constitutional safeguards, the Chief Minister cited Articles 29 and 30, which protect linguistic minorities, along with Articles 350A and 350B that mandate mother-tongue instruction and protection of minority linguistic interests. He said any legislation must uphold not only constitutional legality but also constitutional morality.
Urging Kerala to reconsider the Bill, Siddaramaiah called for broader consultations with linguistic minorities, educators and neighbouring states. He cautioned that if the Bill is passed, Karnataka would oppose it using all constitutional means to defend linguistic minorities and the plural spirit of the Republic.
CM and DCM to meet Prez over Malayalam Language Bill
Belagavi
Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadgi on Friday said a delegation led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar will soon meet President Droupadi Murmu, urging her not to grant assent to the Malayalam Language Bill passed by the Kerala government. He said the bill could adversely affect the interests of Kannadigas living in Kerala’s border regions, particularly Kasargod.
