Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has written to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan raising his concerns over the proposed Malayalam Language Bill introduced in the Kerala Legislative Assembly. The letter warned that it could adversely impact Kannadigas residing in Kerala’s border districts, particularly Kasaragod. The proposed bill would mandate Malayalam as a compulsory first language even in Kannada-medium schools. Siddaramaiah noted that the move could affect districts such as Kasargod along the shared border with Karnataka — disrupting the ‘long-standing linguistic harmony’ in the region.
In the letter dated January 9, 2026, the Karnataka CM stated that he was writing in the spirit of “mutual respect, shared constitutional responsibility, and cooperative federalism.” He also highlighted in his letter that the two states are linked to each other not only in terms of geography but also by “deep cultural, social, and human ties.”
The proposed bill would mandate Malayalam as a compulsory first language even in Kannada-medium schools. This move, specifically in border districts like Kasargod, will be affected and could cause disorder in the long-standing linguistic harmony in the region.
Why Siddaramaiah is backing the idea that border regions need flexibility
Siddaramaiah explains that India’s linguistic power has historically derived from coexistence rather than compulsion. “India’s civilisation strength has always been positioned on plurality without fear,” he mentioned. He further added that languages in the country “have thrived not through compulsion but through mutual respect and organic coexistence.”
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He further underlined a living example of linguistic diversity in Kasargod, where Tulu, Malayalam, Beary, Kannada, and other languages have “harmoniously moulded everyday life, identity for generations, and education.” He warned that making one language pathway compulsory could disrupt this balance.
Invoking constitutional protections for linguistic minorities, Siddarmaiah referred to Articles 29 and 30 (rights to conserve language and administer educational institutions), Article 350 A( facilities for instruction in the mother tongue) and Article 350B (safeguarding minority linguistic interests). He also mentioned that any legislative action must demonstrate not only “constitutional legality” but also “constitutional morality.”
ಕೇರಳ ವಿಧಾನಸಭೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಂಡನೆಯಾಗಿರುವ ಮಲೆಯಾಳಿ ಭಾಷಾ ಮಸೂದೆಯಿಂದ ಗಡಿಭಾಗದ ಜಿಲ್ಲೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ, ವಿಶೇಷವಾಗಿ ಕಾಸರಗೋಡಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನೆಲೆಸಿರುವ ಕನ್ನಡಿಗರ ಮೇಲಾಗುವ ದುಷ್ಪರಿಣಾಮಗಳ ಕುರಿತು ಕೇರಳದ ಮುಖ್ಯಮಂತ್ರಿ @pinarayivijayan ಅವರಿಗೆ ಪತ್ರ ಬರೆದು, ಮಸೂದೆಯ ಪುನರ್ ಪರಿಶೀಲನೆಗೆ ಒತ್ತಾಯಿಸಿದ್ದೇನೆ.
ಪತ್ರದ ಕನ್ನಡ ಸಾರಾಂಶ ಹೀಗಿದೆ;
ಆತ್ಮೀಯ… pic.twitter.com/KwTe0hJj9r
— Siddaramaiah (@siddaramaiah) January 9, 2026
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Siddaramaiah flags concerns towards linguistic minorities and schools
The Karnataka CM emphasised that for linguistic minorities, language goes beyond academics. “For linguistic minority communities, language is not solely an academic choice, it is identity, dignity, and access to opportunity,” he added.
He cautioned that a policy forcing adoption of single linguistic way could put “undue pressure on children.” It will weaken minority-run institutions and will disrupt the harmony of “long-standing educational ecosystems”.
In a sharper context, he further added that, “If this Bill is passed, Karnataka will challenge it by utilising every constitutional right available to us”. He described it not as a fight but as a duty to the Constitution and towards the people “whose voices must never be marginalised.” |
