‘Step-Motherly Treatment’: Siddaramaiah Criticizes Centre for Undermining Kannada Language
CM slams Centre for sidelining Kannada in education.
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah unleashed a fierce critique against the Centre on Saturday, accusing it of systematically imposing Hindi while starving Kannada of funds, thereby crippling the natural creativity and cultural roots of the state's children. Speaking at Bengaluru's Rajyotsava Day event, he warned that excessive reliance on English and Hindi in education is reversing progress, unlike developed nations where mother tongues fuel innovation and identity.
Siddaramaiah lambasted the Union government for "step-motherly treatment," highlighting Karnataka's massive Rs 4.5 lakh crore annual contribution to national revenue against meager returns. He charged that lavish grants flow to Hindi and Sanskrit promotion, yet Kannada—a classical language—remains deliberately neglected, calling the pattern a blatant injustice that demands unified resistance from Kannadigas.
The Chief Minister decried the erosion of federal principles, asserting that continuous attempts to impose Hindi undermine regional languages and identities. "We must oppose all anti-Kannada forces," he urged, pushing for stronger legal safeguards to mandate mother-tongue instruction in early schooling and restore balance in the education system.
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Siddaramaiah argued that children in advanced countries think, learn, and dream in their native languages, fostering sharper talent—while Karnataka's youth suffer identity crises and diminished potential due to Kannada's marginalization in classrooms. He insisted the Centre must prioritize regional languages with equitable funding and policy support.
Amid escalating language tensions over signboards, three-language policies, and educational mandates, Siddaramaiah's fiery address has reignited calls to protect Kannada heritage, positioning the state in direct confrontation with perceived central overreach.
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