Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has issued a stern warning to the Kerala government, stating that his state will constitutionally oppose the proposed Malayalam Language Bill, 2025 if it is passed. In a letter dated January 8, Siddaramaiah expressed "serious concern" to his Kerala counterpart, Pinarayi Vijayan, arguing that the bill undermines the rights of linguistic minorities in border regions.
Constitutional Concerns and Threat to Linguistic Harmony
The contentious bill mandates Malayalam as the compulsory first language from Classes 1 to 10 in all government schools, including Kannada-medium institutions in Kerala's border districts like Kasaragod. Siddaramaiah emphasized that India's strength lies in linguistic plurality achieved through mutual respect, not compulsion. He highlighted that border areas such as Kasaragod are living examples where Malayalam, Kannada, Tulu, and Beary have coexisted harmoniously for generations.
The Chief Minister invoked constitutional safeguards, stating, "Articles 29 and 30 guarantee the right to conserve language and administer educational institutions of choice." He added that Article 350A mandates mother-tongue instruction facilities, and Article 350B entrusts the state with safeguarding minority linguistic interests. Siddaramaiah asserted that any legislative measure must uphold not just constitutional legality but also "constitutional morality."
Political Backlash and BJP's Criticism
The Chief Minister's letter has surfaced amidst intense political criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Karnataka. The opposition has accused the Congress leadership of being deferential to the "Kerala lobby" within the party at the expense of Kannada interests.
BJP Leader of Opposition R Ashok targeted Wayanad MP Priyanka Gandhi on social media, asking if she would stand with Kannadigas against the bill. He accused the Congress's Kerala lobby of treating Karnataka like a "convenient ATM" and a political bargaining chip, compromising Kannada pride and cultural identity for political convenience.
Karnataka's Stance and Potential Fallout
Siddaramaiah clarified that while Karnataka takes immense pride in Kannada, a language shaped by social reform and inclusive thought, the promotion of one's language must never become an imposition on another. He called for the Kerala government to reconsider the bill and engage in broader consultations.
The CM issued a clear ultimatum: "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." He framed this position as a constitutional duty rather than a confrontational move.
This development follows a petition by the Karnataka Border Areas Development Authority (KBADA) to Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, urging a reconsideration of the legislation. The bill, enacted in October, is expected to significantly impact the sizable Kannada-speaking population in Kasaragod's border schools.
Incidentally, Karnataka's own policy designates English and Kannada as first or second languages up to Class 10, but this is not enforced by law, contrasting with Kerala's legislative approach.
