Bengaluru, Jan 9 (NationPress) In response to the Malayalam Language Bill-2025 passed by the Kerala assembly, the Congress-led Karnataka government announced on Friday its intention to request the Kerala Governor to refrain from granting assent to the Bill. The government is also deliberating the formation of a delegation to approach the President to prevent the Kerala government from enforcing the Bill, which they argue undermines the interests of Kannada-speaking children in border areas.

Speaking to reporters, Minister for Kannada and Culture Shivaraj Tangadagi highlighted that the Kerala government has forwarded the Malayalam Language Bill–2025 to the Governor for approval.

“This Bill poses significant challenges for Kannada-speaking individuals in border districts. For instance, in the Kasaragod district, approximately seven lakh Kannada speakers reside, with 210 Kannada-medium schools operational there,” he stated.

“The implications of this Bill could severely affect the Kannada-speaking populace. In accordance with Article 350B of the Constitution, the President is obligated to appoint an officer to gather a detailed report from Kasaragod in Kerala. Additionally, the opinions of both the Kerala and Karnataka governments should be sought. Individuals residing along the Karnataka–Kerala border ought to be treated justly,” Tangadagi emphasized.

“We will not permit injustice to befall our citizens in the Kerala region. Thus, we earnestly urge the Kerala Governor to withhold assent to this Bill. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also shared a message on X regarding this matter,” he added.

“I will bring this issue to the attention of both the Chief Minister and the Deputy Chief Minister. We will establish a delegation to meet the President of India. Following discussions, we will determine the next steps. We will not stand by while injustice occurs to Kannada speakers or our state. This will not be tolerated,” Tangadagi stated.

He also mentioned that the Karnataka Border Area Development Authority has previously communicated with the Kerala Chief Minister regarding this issue. “Officials have met with the Governor and submitted a memorandum about this concern,” he said.

“The sentiments of the people of Kasaragod resonate with the Kannada language. The proposed Bill by the Kerala government is inappropriate. Previously, a Karnataka government delegation met with the Kerala Governor to convey the concerns of Kannada-speaking individuals in the border district. The anticipated Bill could impose hardships on Kannada speakers,” he added.

A controversy has arisen between Karnataka and Kerala over the Malayalam Language Bill–2025 initiated by the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government. This move has drawn criticism from both the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP in Karnataka.

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has reached out to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to express his discontent, arguing that the proposed Malayalam Language Bill–2025, which mandates Malayalam as the primary language in Kannada-medium schools in Kerala, threatens linguistic freedom and the realities faced by border districts, particularly Kasaragod.

Public Works Department Minister Satish Jarkiholi pointed out that Kasaragod district has a predominant Kannada-speaking population, with over 70% of its residents speaking Kannada. “Our government should vehemently oppose this initiative,” he asserted.

In response to the recent developments, former Karnataka Chief Minister and BJP MP Basavaraj Bommai remarked in Hubballi on Friday that the Karnataka government appears to be executing the directives of the Kerala government.

“The government must take measures to safeguard the interests of Kannada children,” he urged.