Overview
- The Malayalam Bhasha Bill, 2025, passed by the Kerala Assembly, would make Malayalam the compulsory first language up to Class 10 in all schools across the state.
- Karnataka’s Border Areas Development Authority met Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on January 7, submitting a memorandum seeking suspension and reconsideration of the bill.
- The Governor assured the delegation that he would examine the legislation before taking any decision, with the bill currently pending his assent.
- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on January 8 urged Kerala to withdraw the proposal, calling it an attack on linguistic freedom and pledging to pursue constitutional remedies if it proceeds.
- Opponents cite protections for linguistic minorities under Articles 29, 30, 347, 350, 350A and 350B, recall a similar proposal rejected by the President in 2017, and warn of harm to Kannada-medium students and institutions in Kasaragod.