Minister P Rajeev Slams Karnataka Over ‘Malayalam Imposition’ Claims

Thiruvananthapuram: Minister P Rajeev has responded to Karnataka’s criticism of Kerala’s newly introduced Malayalam Language Bill, which the neighbouring state claims imposes Malayalam on linguistic minorities. Rajeev dismissed these concerns as misplaced and politically motivated. He clarified that Sections 5 and 6 of the bill explicitly safeguard the rights of non-Malayali linguistic minorities, including Kannada and Tamil speakers, allowing them to submit official complaints and correspond in their mother tongue. “The Karnataka government is unnecessarily raising this issue, which Kerala has already addressed in its legislation,” he said. Rajeev recalled a historical precedent, noting that Kerala faced similar criticism in 2015 under the Congress government, when concerns were raised about insufficient protections for linguistic minorities. He said the current bill resolves those issues while ensuring minorities can communicate officially in their preferred language. Contrasting Kerala’s approach with Karnataka’s, Rajeev highlighted the Kannada Language (Comprehensive Development) Act, 2015, which requires linguistic minorities to use Kannada or English for official correspondence, with replies provided in the same languages. By comparison, Kerala’s bill allows non-Malayalis to choose between Malayalam or their own language, offering greater flexibility. On education, he pointed out that Karnataka mandates Kannada as a compulsory first or second language in all schools, with the mother tongue offered as a third language if chosen. In Kerala, the new bill permits students from linguistic minorities to study in their own language rather than being restricted to Malayalam or English. Rajeev also criticised the Congress party for remaining silent on Karnataka’s objections, questioning whether the issue is politically motivated. He warned that framing the bill as an imposition of Malayalam could create unnecessary animosity between Kerala and Karnataka, potentially affecting the large Malayali workforce in Karnataka and spreading false narratives.