A fresh dispute has erupted between the southern states of Karnataka and Kerala, straining their cordial relations. The flashpoint is the Malayalam Bhasha Bill, 2025, proposed by the Kerala government, which seeks to make Malayalam a compulsory first language from Classes 1 to 10 in all schools, including those with Kannada as the medium of instruction.
Karnataka's Strong Objection and Constitutional Concerns
On Thursday, the Karnataka government formally raised a strong objection to the bill, urging Kerala's Governor, Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, to withhold his assent. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah led the charge, labeling the proposed legislation as "unconstitutional" and against the interests of the Kannada-speaking minority in Kerala, particularly in the border district of Kasaragod.
Siddaramaiah argued that the move amounts to an attack on the linguistic freedom guaranteed by the Indian Constitution. He warned that it would deprive Kannadigas in Kasaragod of the opportunity to learn in their mother tongue. "This was not expected from the Communist government in Kerala," he remarked, expressing his disappointment.
Emotional and Cultural Bonds of Kasaragod
Highlighting the deep cultural and emotional ties, the Karnataka CM made a poignant statement. "Kasaragod may be administratively part of Kerala today, but emotionally it belongs to Karnataka. The people are deeply connected with the Kannada language, culture and literature. They are no less Kannadigas than those living in Karnataka. Protecting their interests is the duty of our government," Siddaramaiah asserted.
He emphasized that citizens have a fundamental right to study in their mother tongue and directly appealed to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to withdraw the bill. "No language stands in opposition to another. India is the cradle of multiple languages, cultures and religions. Any attempt to harm this pluralistic environment is dangerous," he added.
Legal Precedents and Safeguards Cited
The Karnataka Border Areas Development Authority, which met Governor Arlekar on Wednesday, stated that the governor has promised a thorough review. The authority pointed out that a similar bill was rejected by the President of India in 2017.
Karnataka's argument rests on several constitutional provisions and existing mandates for Kasaragod, which include:
- Appointment of Kannada teachers in Kannada-medium schools.
- Installation of Kannada signboards at police stations, railway stations, and on national highways.
- Use of Kannada in official correspondence in public offices.
- Recruitment based on the local linguistic-minority population.
The CM specifically cited Articles 29, 30, 350(A), and 350(B) of the Constitution, which protect the interests of linguistic minorities. "No government should attempt to curtail the linguistic freedom of minorities. However, imposing one language over another is unacceptable," he stressed.
Escalating Tensions and a Warning
This language row comes shortly after the Kogilu Layout demolition in Bengaluru, which had already triggered a war of words between leaders of the two states. Vijayan had criticized the demolition drive, calling it a brutal normalization of "bulldozer raj," which drew sharp reactions from Karnataka.
Karnataka has also flagged Section 2(6) of the Kerala bill, which makes Malayalam compulsory up to Class 10. It warns that if enacted, Kannada students may be forced to learn Malayalam despite not knowing the language.
Issuing a stern warning, CM Siddaramaiah declared, "We will stand with the Kannadigas of Kasaragod and extend all possible support to protect their linguistic freedom." The stage is set for a significant legal and political tussle over language rights and federalism in India's diverse cultural landscape.
