Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Karnataka opposes Kerala's Malayalam Language Bill
A minister from Karnataka, India, said that a group from his state will meet the President of India.
They want to talk about a problem in a nearby area called Kasargod, which is in the state of Kerala.
In Kasargod, many people speak a language called Kannada, but the Kerala government has passed a law that makes another language, Malayalam, more important.
The Karnataka minister thinks this law will cause trouble for the Kannada-speaking people.
He also mentioned that there are about 750,000 Kannadigas and 210 Kannada schools in the Kasargod region.
He has asked the Kerala Governor not to approve the law and plans to discuss the issue with the Karnataka Chief Minister.
The opposition leader in Karnataka also criticized the state government for not strongly opposing the Kerala law and alleged that Kerala is exerting political and financial influence over Karnataka.
Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi announced a delegation will meet President Droupadi Murmu to discuss Malayalam imposition on Kannadigas in Kasargod, Kerala.
The Kerala government's Malayalam Language Bill aims to make Malayalam the compulsory first language in government and aided schools, including Kannada-medium schools, in border districts.
There are approximately 7.5 lakh Kannadigas and 210 Kannada schools in the Kasargod region of Kerala.
The Karnataka Border Area Development Authority secretary met with Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to discuss the situation and requested him not to give assent to the bill.
Opposition leader R. Ashoka criticized the Karnataka government for not strongly opposing the Kerala law and alleged that Kerala is exerting political and financial influence over Karnataka.
- Who
- Karnataka Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi, Opposition Leader R. Ashoka, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
- What
- Karnataka's opposition to Kerala's Malayalam Language Bill and allegations of Kerala's influence over Karnataka's administration
- When
- Date not specified, but the announcement was made on January 9
- Where
- Karnataka and Kerala (Kasaragod region)
- Why
- To protect Kannada-medium schools and Kannadigas in border regions from the impact of Kerala's Malayalam Language Bill and to address allegations of political and financial influence
- Kannadigas in Kasargod
- 7.5 lakh
- Kannada schools in border regions
- 210
- Article of Indian Constitution
- 350(b)
- Kerala Governor
- Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar
- Karnataka Minister
- Shivaraj Tangadagi
- Opposition Leader
- R. Ashoka
- Karnataka Chief Minister
- Siddaramaiah
- Kerala Chief Minister
- Pinarayi Vijayan
Sources
Will meet President Droupadi Murmu on Malayalam imposition: Karnataka Minister
Siddaramaiah's Letter To Pinarayi Vijayan Flags Concern Over Malayalam Bill
R Ashoka Accuses Congress Govt of Allowing Kerala’s Influence Over Karnataka Governance
"Don't Force Malayalam In Kannada Schools": Siddaramaiah Writes To Kerala CM
‘Constitutional morality’: Siddaramaiah writes to Kerala CM, vows pushback over proposed Malayalam Language Bill
Priyanka Gandhi ‘silent’ on Kannadigas’ rights, quick to lobby for Kerala: LoP Ashoka
‘If passed, Karnataka will oppose it’: Siddaramaiah warns Pinarayi Vijayan on Malayalam Language Bill
Siddaramaiah urges Kerala to withdraw Malayalam Language Bill
Apprehensions on Malayalam Language Bill do not reflect facts: Kerala CM
Kerala CM Vijayan rebuts Malayalam Language Bill fears, says minorities’ rights protected
On Malayalam Language Bill, it’s Siddaramaiah vs Pinarayi
