Thiruvananthapuram, January 10 (NationPress) A significant political and inter-state conflict has erupted surrounding the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025, as the Kerala government strongly denies claims of linguistic imposition after facing severe criticism from Karnataka's Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

In a comprehensive statement shared on social media, Kerala's Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan clarified on Saturday that the concerns raised about the Bill do not accurately reflect its provisions or its inclusive ethos.

Vijayan emphasized that Kerala's developmental framework has always been grounded in equality, brotherhood, and constitutional principles such as secularism and pluralism.

He highlighted that the legislation includes a distinct non-obstante clause that protects the rights of linguistic minorities, particularly those who speak Kannada and Tamil.

Vijayan reiterated that the Bill does not enforce any language and fully honors linguistic freedom.

In designated regions, linguistic minorities are permitted to use their native languages for official communications, including correspondence with the Secretariat and local offices, with responses provided in the same language.

Students whose primary language is not Malayalam can choose from various languages offered in schools under the National Education Curriculum, and students from other states or international backgrounds are exempt from taking Malayalam examinations at the secondary or higher secondary levels.

The policy, Vijayan stated, aligns completely with the Constitution and the Official Languages Act, 1963. Local Self Government Minister M.B. Rajesh accused Siddaramaiah of responding out of political malice, linking his opposition to Vijayan's recent criticism of the “Bulldozer Raj” in Yelahanka, Karnataka.

Rajesh pointed out that the Bill received unanimous approval from the Kerala Legislative Assembly and questioned why Congress members did not voice their objections at that time.

He labeled Siddaramaiah’s comments as dangerous and irresponsible and demanded that they be retracted, claiming an effort to spread falsehoods and hostility towards Kerala.

In a strongly worded statement, Siddaramaiah asserted on Friday that language for linguistic minorities is a matter of identity and dignity, not just a mere subject.

He warned that mandating a different first language could impose burdens on students and undermine their academic confidence, urging Kerala to withdraw what he termed a coercive stance.

While acknowledging Kerala’s right to advocate for Malayalam, he insisted that promotion should not escalate into imposition.