Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Karnataka CM Urges Kerala to Withdraw Malayalam Bill
The Chief Minister of Karnataka, Siddaramaiah, has asked the Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, to withdraw a new law that would make Malayalam the first language in schools, even in Kannada-medium schools.
Siddaramaiah is worried that this law will hurt people who speak Kannada in Kerala's border districts, like Kasaragod.
He sent a letter to Pinarayi, saying that the law should not force one language on another.
Meanwhile, BJP leader R Ashoka criticized Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra for selectively intervening in issues concerning Kerala while ignoring the rights of Kannadigas.
Ashoka accused the Congress of practicing selective compassion and treating Karnataka as a convenient political bargaining chip.
Both states will have important elections soon, and this issue might affect how people vote.
Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah urged Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan to withdraw the Malayalam Language Bill-2025.
The bill mandates Malayalam as the first language in schools, affecting Kannada-medium schools in Kerala's border districts like Kasaragod.
Siddaramaiah expressed concern that the bill would disrupt linguistic harmony and marginalize Kannadigas in Kerala.
BJP leader R Ashoka accused Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of selectively intervening in issues concerning Kerala while ignoring the rights of Kannadigas.
Ashoka alleged that the Congress practices selective compassion and treats Karnataka as a convenient political bargaining chip.
- Who
- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, BJP leader R Ashoka, and Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
- What
- Siddaramaiah urged Pinarayi to withdraw the Malayalam Language Bill, and R Ashoka accused Priyanka Gandhi Vadra of selective compassion.
- When
- Siddaramaiah sent the letter on Friday, following Pinarayi's Facebook post on December 26. R Ashoka's post was made on Saturday.
- Where
- The issue concerns border districts of Kerala and Karnataka, particularly Kasaragod.
- Why
- Siddaramaiah believes the bill would affect Kannadigas in Kerala's border districts and disrupt linguistic harmony. R Ashoka accused Congress of practicing selective compassion.
BJP
Congress
Selective Compassion
BJP
Priyanka Gandhi Vadra is accused of selectively intervening in issues concerning Kerala while ignoring the interests and rights of Kannadigas.
Congress
No direct response from Congress leaders on the allegations.
Linguistic and Cultural Rights
BJP
The Malayalam Language Bill is seen as an attempt to impose Malayalam on Kannada-medium schools, eroding linguistic freedom and cultural rights of Kannadigas.
Congress
No direct response from Congress leaders on the allegations.
- Karnataka Chief Minister
- Siddaramaiah
- Kerala Chief Minister
- Pinarayi Vijayan
- Bill in Question
- Malayalam Language Bill-2025
- Impacted Districts
- Kasaragod
- Assembly Polls in Kerala
- Due in about three months
- BJP Leader
- R Ashoka
- Congress Leader
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra
Sources
Siddaramaiah urges Kerala to withdraw Malayalam bill citing impact on Kannadigas - Telegraph India
Karnataka CM’s stand on Malayalam language bill ‘wrong
Priyanka ‘silent’ on Kannadigas’ rights, quick to lobby for Kerala: LoP
Sidda to meet guv on hate speech bill amid BJP's march call
