Archive · 1 Oct 2026
Proposed Urdu Festival at Vidhana Soudha Triggers Karnataka Language Row
The Karnataka government suggested holding an Urdu festival in Bengaluru.
Urdu is a language with its own literature, traditions and culture.
The event was proposed for November 9, 2026, on the steps of Vidhana Soudha.
The government said it wanted people from different communities to understand Urdu better.
BJP leaders and pro-Kannada activists objected to the location.
They said Vidhana Soudha represents Karnataka and that Kannada should be highlighted there.
Minister U.T. Khader said the plan was only an idea and that the government would listen to people who disagreed.
He said the event could be changed or cancelled if it created problems.
Karnataka planned its first Urdu Habba for November 9, 2026, observed as Urdu Day.
The proposed event would showcase Urdu language, literature, heritage, books, cuisine and art forms.
BJP leaders objected to holding the festival on Vidhana Soudha steps, saying Kannada should receive prominence there.
Minister U.T. Khader said the government would seek opinions and was open to changing or dropping the proposal.
Karnataka Rakshana Vedike chief Narayana Gowda opposed the plan but said the organisation was not against Urdu or other languages.
- Who
- The Karnataka government, Minister U.T. Khader, BJP leaders and pro-Kannada organisations are involved.
- What
- A proposed Urdu Habba, or Urdu festival, has triggered political and language-related opposition.
- When
- The event was proposed for November 9, 2026; the objections and government response were reported on Thursday.
- Where
- The proposed venue is the steps of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Why
- The government said it wanted to promote Urdu culture and understanding, while opponents objected to the venue and said Kannada should receive prominence.
Government and Urdu Festival Supporters
BJP and Pro-Kannada Opponents
Purpose of the event
Government and Urdu Festival Supporters
U.T. Khader said the festival would help people understand Urdu culture and encourage brotherhood, unity and social trust.
BJP and Pro-Kannada Opponents
BJP leaders alleged that the proposal reflected minority appeasement and divisive politics rather than an emphasis on development and Kannada.
Choice of venue
Government and Urdu Festival Supporters
Khader said an open-space event on the Vidhana Soudha steps could create an opportunity for people to learn about Urdu and its traditions.
BJP and Pro-Kannada Opponents
The BJP and Karnataka Rakshana Vedike said Vidhana Soudha symbolises Karnataka and Kannada, and argued that a language festival not connected to the state should not be held there.
Whether the event should proceed
Government and Urdu Festival Supporters
Khader said the government would consult everyone, would not treat the matter as one of prestige and was ready to make changes or reconsider the plan.
BJP and Pro-Kannada Opponents
Narayana Gowda said Karnataka Rakshana Vedike would not allow the programme at the proposed venue, while still stating that it was not opposed to Urdu or other languages.
- Proposed event
- First-ever Urdu Habba, or Urdu Festival
- Proposed date
- November 9, 2026, observed as Urdu Day
- Proposed venue
- Steps of Vidhana Soudha, Bengaluru
- Government minister
- U.T. Khader, Minister for Health, Family Welfare, Waqf and Minority Affairs
- Government position
- The proposal is open to public discussion, adjustments or possible cancellation
- Main opposition
- BJP leaders and Karnataka Rakshana Vedike objected to the proposed venue and its emphasis over Kannada
- Planned content
- Urdu language, literature, heritage, books, cuisine and diverse art forms
