Malayalam language bill against interests of Kannada-speaking minority in Kerala: Dinesh Gundu Rao

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, January 9, 2026: District In-Charge Minister and Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao on Friday said the Malayalam Language Bill, 2025, passed by the Kerala government is against the interests of the Kannada-speaking linguistic minority in the state, particularly those residing in the border district of Kasaragod.

Responding to a query, Rao said the matter has already been taken up by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. “The Bill is not in the interest of Kannada-speaking people and will amount to an injustice to Kannadigas living in the border areas. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will discuss the issue with the Kerala Chief Minister,” he said.

The Kerala Assembly recently passed the Malayalam Language Bill, which seeks to establish Malayalam as the sole official language of the state for government, education and commerce. The Bill is currently awaiting the Governor’s assent.

Kerala government flayed

Former BJP state president Nalin Kumar Kateel strongly criticised the Kerala government, accusing it of attempting to undermine the rights of the Kannada language.

Reacting to reports of Malayalam being imposed in Kannada-medium schools in Kerala, especially in the Kasaragod region, Kateel alleged that the neighbouring state was following a “double-standard policy.” He recalled that similar attempts in the past in Kasaragod—a region with a strong Kannada-speaking population—were thwarted following sustained protests by Kannada activists.

“Once again, the Kerala government has launched an attack on Kannada. I strongly condemn this move. In Kasaragod, Kannada is the primary language and must be given first priority,” Kateel said. While stating that Malayalam could be accommodated, he asserted that the status of Kannada should not be diluted.

Warning of public backlash, Kateel urged the Karnataka government to take a firm stand and demanded that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah intervene decisively and caution the Kerala government against any move that could adversely affect Kannada-speaking people.