Home Minister Parameshwara calls for resolution on language issue in border areas

BENGALURU: Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said that states in India were carved out on the basis of language and stressed the need to address language-related concerns in border regions.

Speaking with the media here, Parameshwara referred to a recent circular issued by the Kerala government directing priority to be given to the local language, Malayalam. He noted that people living in bordering areas, such as Kasargod along the Karnataka-Kerala border, continue to speak Kannada.

He said, “States have been carved out on the basis of language. The Kerala government has issued a circular ordering priority to be given to the local language (Malayalam). People living in bordering areas, such as Kasargod (Karnataka-Kerala border), still speak Kannada. Both the CMs should resolve this”.

#WATCH Bengaluru | Karnataka Minister G Parameshwara says, “States have been carved out on the basis of language. The Kerala government has issued a circular ordering priority to be given to the local language (Malayalam). People living in the bordering areas like Kasargod… pic.twitter.com/gXX1oCgQ2s

— ANI (@ANI) January 10, 2026

His remarks come amid growing concerns over language usage and administrative communication in border districts shared by Karnataka and Kerala.

Earlier, Kerala Finance Minister KN Balagopal sought to reassure the public amid mounting concerns over the proposed Malayalam Language Bill 2025, stating that the legislation would not lead to discrimination against any section of society.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, Balagopal said, “I can assure you about one thing that there will be no discrimination against anyone in the state,” as criticism from neighbouring Karnataka intensified over the bill’s provisions. The proposed bill has sparked a debate over the first compulsory language across Kerala.

On Friday, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah wrote to Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, expressing grave concerns over the bill. In his letter, Siddaramaiah warned that making Malayalam compulsory even in Kannada-medium schools could weaken minority-run educational institutions and burden children in border areas.

Emphasising India’s pluralistic ethos, the Karnataka CM noted that regions like Kasargod have historically thrived on linguistic harmony, with Malayalam, Kannada, Tulu, Beary and other languages shaping everyday life and identity. While reiterating Karnataka’s pride in the Kannada language, he stressed that language promotion must never become imposition.

Calling for reconsideration, Siddaramaiah urged the Kerala government to engage in wider consultations with linguistic minorities, educators and neighbouring states. He maintained that Karnataka would oppose the bill, if passed, using every constitutional means to defend minority rights and uphold the plural spirit of the Constitution. (ANI)