‘If passed, Karnataka will oppose it’: Siddaramaiah warns Pinarayi Vijayan on Malayalam Language Bill

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to his Kerala counterpart, Pinarayi Vijayan, expressing “serious concern” over a proposed Malayalam Language Bill that would make Malayalam the compulsory first language even in Kannada-medium schools in border districts like Kasaragod.

In a letter written on January 8, Siddaramaiah stated, “India’s civilisational strength has always rested on plurality without fear. Languages in our country have flourished not through compulsion, but through mutual respect and organic coexistence. Border regions like Kasaragod are living examples of this ethos, where Malayalam, Kannada, Tulu, Beary and other languages have harmoniously shaped everyday life, education and identity for generations.”

“For linguistic minority communities, language is not merely an academic choice; it is identity, dignity and access to opportunity. Any policy that compels a single linguistic pathway risks placing an undue burden on children, weakening minority-run educational institutions and unsettling long-standing educational ecosystems that have served these communities with trust and continuity,” he added.

Saying that the Constitution offers “unequivocal protection” to linguistic minorities, Siddaramaiah said, “Articles 29 and 30 guarantee the right to conserve language and administer educational institutions of choice. Article 350A mandates facilities for instruction in the mother tongue, and Article 350B entrusts the State with safeguarding minority linguistic interests. Any legislative measure must reflect not only constitutional legality, but constitutional morality.”

Karnataka, Siddaramaiah added, took immense pride in Kannada, a language shaped by social reform, equality and inclusive thought. “At the same time, we have always upheld the principle that promotion of one’s language must never become an imposition on another. This belief has guided our policies and our commitment to harmony,” he further stated.

The Karnataka chief minister called for the Kerala government to reconsider the Bill and conduct broader engagement on it as it would reinforce India’s unity while preserving the dignity of every language and every citizen.

“If this Bill is passed, Karnataka will oppose it by exercising every constitutional right available to us, in defence of linguistic minorities and the plural spirit of our Republic. This position flows not from confrontation, but from our duty to the Constitution and to the people whose voices must never be marginalised,” Siddaramaiah stated.

Incidentally, Karnataka currently has a policy for English and Kannada to be the first or second language for school students up to Class 10, but it is not enforced by law.

Siddaramaiah’s letter to Vijayan comes amid criticism by the BJP that Congress leaders were in deference to the Kerala lobby in the Congress party and not protecting the interests of Kannada.

“Now that Kannadigas are facing discrimination, threats to their language, and erosion of their rights, will @priyankagandhi stand with Kannadigas by opposing the Kerala Malayalam Language Bill–2025, which seeks to impose Malayalam as the first language even in Kannada-medium schools, affecting lakhs of Kannadigas in the border districts?” BJP leader of opposition in Karnataka, R Ashok, said on social media while referring to the Wayanad MP.

“The Kerala lobby of @INCIndia continues to treat Karnataka like a convenient ATM and a political bargaining chip. Kannada pride, self-respect, and cultural identity are repeatedly compromised for Congress’ political convenience,” the BJP leader said.

Earlier, Siddaramaiah had said on social media that the proposed Malayalam Language Bill, 2025, was an “attack on the freedom of language guaranteed by the Constitution”. This came a day after the Karnataka Border Areas Development Authority (KBADA) petitioned Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, urging him to reconsider the legislation.

The Bill enacted in October mandates Malayalam as the first language from Classes 1 to 10 in all government schools. This was expected to impact the Kannada-medium schools located in the border areas of Kerala, such as Kasaragod, with a sizable population of Kannada speakers.