CM Siddaramaiah opposes Kerala’s proposed Malayalam language bill

Kerala’s Malayalam Bill faces Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah’s opposition, citing minority rights, Kannada use in Kasaragod, and vow to resist imposition

Kerala’s plan to introduce a Malayalam Language Bill, making Malayalam the compulsory first language even in Kannada‑medium schools, has sparked strong opposition from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The proposal is particularly contentious in border districts such as Kasaragod, where Kannada has long been a dominant medium of education and daily communication.

Siddaramaiah has argued that the bill undermines the linguistic freedom of minority communities. He emphasized that for children from linguistic minorities, their mother tongue is not merely a subject but a vital link to identity, dignity, access, and opportunity. Mandating a single first language, he warned, would place an additional burden on students, disrupt their academic confidence, restrict second‑language options, and weaken the ecosystem of minority‑run institutions and schools.

Highlighting the situation in Kasaragod, Siddaramaiah pointed out that many residents rely on Kannada in education and everyday life. Local representatives have noted that in certain areas of the district, nearly 70 percent of people prefer Kannada learning and script. He stressed that this reflects India’s plural cultural fabric, where multiple languages coexist, rather than posing any threat to Malayalam.

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From a constitutional perspective, Siddaramaiah cited provisions such as Articles 29, 30, 350A, and 350B, which safeguard the rights of linguistic minorities. He acknowledged Kerala’s right to promote Malayalam, just as Karnataka promotes Kannada, but insisted that promotion should not translate into imposition.

The Karnataka government has urged Kerala to withdraw the bill and has signaled that it will oppose the measure through all constitutional avenues if enacted. Siddaramaiah reaffirmed Karnataka’s commitment to supporting Kannadigas, Kasaragod residents, and linguistic minorities, while stressing that every mother tongue, including Malayalam and Kannada, deserves equal space to flourish.

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