Kerala Law Minister P Rajeev on Saturday criticized Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s stance on the state’s proposed Malayalam Language Bill . Rajeev termed Siddaramaiah’s position “wrong,” asserting it likely stemmed from an outdated understanding of an earlier bill draft that had not received Presidential approval. The dispute highlights ongoing concerns over linguistic rights in border regions.
Kerala Details New Bill’s Protections
Minister Rajeev clarified the new bill explicitly protects linguistic minorities. It ensures Tamil and Kannada-speaking students in relevant border areas can pursue their education in their respective mother tongues. Furthermore, official government communications within these specific areas will also be conducted in Tamil or Kannada.
Crucially, Rajeev explained that under the revised bill, studying Malayalam remains optional for students in these minority language areas. He highlighted that the previous bill lacked these vital provisions, which led to significant objections. The current legislation was drafted specifically to address and rectify those past shortcomings, ensuring broader linguistic inclusivity.
Rajeev emphasized that these changes demonstrate the Kerala government’s commitment to protecting the cultural and linguistic identity of all its residents, including those who speak minority languages. The bill aims to promote Malayalam without imposing it on non-native speakers.
Karnataka’s Strong Opposition
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had earlier urged Kerala to withdraw what he called its “coercive approach.” On Thursday, he posted on social media platform “X,” stating the proposed Malayalam Language Bill-2025 mandates compulsory Malayalam as the first language. He argued this directly impacts linguistic freedom and the lived reality of communities in Kerala’s border districts, particularly Kasaragod .
Kasaragod, bordering Karnataka, hosts a substantial Kannada-speaking population. Siddaramaiah’s concern centered on the potential for Kannada-medium schools in the district to be forced into making Malayalam a mandatory first language, thereby undermining their linguistic heritage.
On Friday, Siddaramaiah formally wrote to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan , conveying his serious concerns. He warned that if the bill passed in its current form, Karnataka would invoke every available constitutional right to oppose it. This action would be taken in defense of linguistic minorities and to uphold India’s pluralistic spirit.
Political Implications and Call for Dialogue
Rajeev suggested Siddaramaiah’s “wrong stand” might be influenced by directives from the Congress leadership. He also noted the opposition Congress in Kerala was absent during the new bill’s tabling due to protests over an unrelated issue. Rajeev stated the opposition had a responsibility to inform Siddaramaiah about the bill’s updated protections for linguistic minorities, especially given its significance to the state.
The Kerala government maintains its commitment to fostering harmonious relations between states. Rajeev appealed to Karnataka’s leadership, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, and Kerala’s Congress leaders, to thoroughly study the bill’s provisions. He urged them to consult the state government directly for clarification, rather than relying on potentially outdated information. Rajeev cautioned that a lack of accurate information would only create unnecessary and avoidable controversy between the two states.
Governor Promises Bill Review
The Karnataka Border Areas Development Authority (KBADA) recently reported a significant development. Kerala’s Governor has promised a comprehensive review of the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025. This assurance followed direct concerns raised by Kannada-speaking linguistic minorities in the Kasaragod district regarding the bill’s potential effects on their educational and cultural rights. The Governor’s intervention signals a potential path for further dialogue and refinement of the legislation.