Overview
- A Karnataka Border Area Development Authority delegation met Kerala Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar in Kasaragod on January 7 and submitted a memorandum seeking rejection or suspension of the Malayalam Bhasha Bill, 2025.
- The governor assured the delegation that the legislation would be examined and stalled for review before any decision is taken.
- The bill mandates Malayalam as the compulsory first language from Classes 1 to 10 in Kerala schools, including Kannada-medium institutions in Kasaragod.
- KBADA argues the move violates constitutional protections for linguistic minorities under Articles 30, 347, 350, 350A and 350B, warning it could disadvantage Kannada-speaking students.
- Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah publicly opposed the proposal, urged Kerala to withdraw it, and pledged to use constitutional measures to contest it if it advances.