Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday said Karnataka would “do everything” within the framework of the Constitution to oppose Kerala’s proposed Malayalam Language Bill–2025, which seeks to make Malayalam the compulsory first language even in Kannada-medium schools.
Calling the move an attack on linguistic freedom and minority rights, Siddaramaiah said language is not merely a subject but a matter of identity, dignity and opportunity, especially for children belonging to linguistic minorities. He warned that forcing a single first-language choice would burden students studying in their mother tongue, affect academic confidence, and weaken minority-medium institutions.
Referring to Kerala’s Kasaragod district, he said generations of students in the border region have traditionally studied in Kannada-medium schools and continue to rely on Kannada in daily life. “This is not a threat to Malayalam. It reflects India’s plural culture where languages coexist,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that the Constitution protects linguistic minorities through Articles 29 and 30, while Articles 350A and 350B mandate safeguards for mother-tongue education. Any coercive language policy, he said, goes against both the letter and spirit of these provisions.
While affirming Kerala’s right to promote Malayalam with pride, Siddaramaiah said promotion should never turn into imposition. “Karnataka proudly protects Kannada, but we respect every language. India’s unity rests on allowing every mother tongue to flourish,” he said.
He urged the Kerala government to withdraw the proposed law and uphold constitutional morality, adding that Karnataka would stand with Kannadigas, the people of Kasaragod, linguistic minorities and all those who believe in India’s linguistic diversity.
