Opposing the Kerala government’s decision to enforce Malayalam in Kannada-medium schools in Karnataka, the state’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unit has requested AICC General Secretary K.C. Venugopal, a Kerala native, to step in and safeguard the interests of Kannada schools and students.
At a press conference at the BJP state headquarters, BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra urged Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to request Venugopal to address the issue with the Kerala government. Vijayendra emphasized the need for Venugopal to support Kannada people’s interests by protesting in Kerala.
Vijayendra criticized the Kerala government’s proposal to introduce Malayalam to Kannada-speaking students in border areas, calling it unacceptable. He questioned the interference of Venugopal in Karnataka’s affairs and urged Siddaramaiah to ensure that Kannada schools in Kerala are not affected by such decisions.
The BJP leader demanded a strong stance from the state government to prevent the imposition of Malayalam in Kannada schools, emphasizing the importance of protecting Kannada educational institutions. He highlighted the opposition of both the BJP and Kannada organizations to the Kerala government’s attempts.
Vijayendra accused Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of following Venugopal’s directives and called for immediate action to safeguard the interests of Kannada people in Kerala. He expressed concerns that the Kerala government’s actions could escalate tensions ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections in the state.
