Karnataka Strongly Objects to Kerala's Compulsory Malayalam Rule in Kannada Schools

The Karnataka government on Friday strongly objected to the Kerala government’s decision to mandate Malayalam as the first language in Kannada-medium schools, calling the move an attack on linguistic freedom. The controversy follows the passage of the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025 by the Kerala Assembly in October, which makes Malayalam compulsory as the first language across schools, including Kannada-medium institutions.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the proposed law disproportionately affects border districts such as Kasaragod, which shares close cultural and linguistic ties with Karnataka. There are around 202 Kannada-medium schools in Kasaragod, where Kannada has historically been the language of instruction and daily life for a large section of the population.

While acknowledging Kerala’s right to promote its official language, Siddaramaiah cautioned against turning promotion into imposition. He warned that if the Bill receives assent and becomes law, Karnataka would oppose it using all constitutional means. The Chief Minister assured Kannadigas living in Kasaragod that the state would stand firmly with them.

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Siddaramaiah cited multiple constitutional safeguards to support his stance, including Articles 29 and 30, which protect the rights of linguistic minorities, Article 350A, which mandates mother-tongue instruction at the primary level, and Article 350B, which provides oversight for minority protections. He said forced language policies undermine both the spirit and letter of the Constitution.

Highlighting the broader social impact, the Chief Minister said language for minority children is not merely an academic subject but a matter of identity, dignity, and opportunity. He warned that imposing a single “first language” could disrupt learning, erode confidence, limit choice of second languages, and weaken minority-run educational institutions.

Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi urged the Union government to intervene and prevent the implementation of the Bill. He said a Karnataka government delegation would meet the Kerala Governor to request him to withhold assent. Pro-Kannada organisations have also demanded a ministerial visit to Kasaragod to express solidarity with Kannada-speaking residents and students.

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