Language Clash at the Border: Karnataka and Kerala Lock Horns Over Malayalam as Mandatory First Language

Bengaluru / Kerala: The Kerala government’s proposal to make Malayalam the mandatory first language in schools located in Karnataka-border districts has sparked a fierce controversy. Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has vowed to oppose the move in every possible manner, calling it an imposition on linguistic minorities.

The proposal comes under the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025, which mandates that students from Class 1 to 10 in border schools must study Malayalam as their first language. Critics fear this will disadvantage Kannada-speaking students in Kasaragod district, who have traditionally learned Kannada as their primary language.

Karnataka CM voices strong opposition
Siddaramaiah, in a scathing social media post, emphasized that language is more than just a subject—it represents identity, dignity, access, and opportunity. He warned that if the bill is passed, Karnataka will challenge it using all constitutional provisions. He added that imposing another state’s language as the first language burdens students, disrupts their studies, and diminishes their confidence. He urged the Kerala government to withdraw this “coercive approach,” stressing that while Kerala has every right to promote Malayalam, this should not come at the expense of Kannada speakers.

Border authority raises objections
The Karnataka Border Area Development Authority has also raised objections, highlighting the potential negative impact on Kannada-speaking students in the border districts. In a petition submitted to the Kerala Governor on January 7, the authority described the bill as unconstitutional and said it violates the linguistic rights of minorities under the Indian Constitution. Officials noted that Kasaragod has historically been a Kannada-medium region, where students study Kannada as their first language and choose Hindi, Sanskrit, or Urdu as their second language.

The authority warned that making Malayalam the mandatory first language could disrupt the existing education system, particularly for students seeking higher education outside Kerala. They cited the precedent of 2017, when a similar bill was rejected by the President, and noted that the Union Ministry for Minority Affairs had repeatedly advised Kerala to protect linguistic minority rights.

Demands for Kannada representation
The authority also demanded the appointment of Kannada teachers in Kannada-medium schools, installation of Kannada signboards in government offices and transport hubs, and the use of Kannada in official correspondence. The Kerala Governor has assured that the bill will be reviewed keeping constitutional protections for linguistic minorities in mind. The Karnataka Border Area Development Authority reaffirmed that it will continue to safeguard the language, culture, and educational rights of Kannada-speaking communities in the border districts.