Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara Urges Resolution of Language Concerns in Border Areas

Bengaluru (Fikrokhabar News): Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Saturday called for a constructive resolution to language-related concerns affecting communities along the state’s borders, particularly with neighbouring Kerala. He said states in India were formed on linguistic lines and emphasised that language issues deserve sensitive handling through dialogue between governments.

Speaking to the media in Bengaluru, Parameshwara referred to a recent circular issued by the Kerala government that directs local administrations to prioritise the use of Malayalam. He noted that many people in bordering areas such as Kasaragod along the Karnataka-Kerala boundary continue to speak Kannada and expressed concern over how language policies might impact everyday life and communication.

“States have been carved out on the basis of language,” the minister said, stressing that leaders of both states should work together to resolve these issues amicably. He highlighted the importance of mutual understanding and cooperative federalism in addressing such sensitivities.

The remarks come amid growing debate over Kerala’s proposed Malayalam Language Bill, 2025, which seeks to promote Malayalam in educational and administrative contexts. Leaders in Karnataka, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, have raised concerns that the legislation could affect Kannada-speaking communities—especially in border districts like Kasaragod where Kannada is widely used and many Kannada-medium schools operate.

Political reactions to the issue have been strong, with Karnataka officials urging constructive dialogue with Kerala to ensure linguistic rights and cultural plurality are respected. Critics say any policy seen as imposing a single language in linguistically diverse regions could undermine long-standing traditions of coexistence.

Source: ANI