‘Don’t Act As Hindi Agent’: Pro-Kannada Groups Hit Out At Karnataka Governor Over SSLC Language Row

The protest, led by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike State President TA Narayan Gowda, had demonstrators raising slogans against what they termed “Hindi imposition” in Karnataka

The protest, led by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike State President TA Narayan Gowda, had demonstrators raising slogans against what they termed “Hindi imposition” in Karnataka. (News18)

A major protest erupted at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Monday as pro-Kannada groups hit the streets against Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, accusing him of interfering in the state’s language policy.

The protest, led by Karnataka Rakshana Vedike State President TA Narayan Gowda, had demonstrators raising slogans against what they termed “Hindi imposition” in Karnataka.

The agitation comes in response to the Governor writing to the Chief Secretary, seeking a review of the Karnataka government’s decision to award grades instead of marks for the third language in SSLC examinations, which many have seen as a state government’s move to counter Hindi imposition in the state.

Narayan Gowda launched a sharp attack on the Governor, accusing him of acting against the interests of Kannada students. “Our Governor must understand that he is in Karnataka. It is his responsibility to protect the language and culture of Karnataka’s children. He should not behave like an agent of Hindi imperialism,” Gowda said.

Drawing parallels with colonial rule, he warned against what he described as linguistic domination. “Earlier, the British ruled this country. Now Hindi imperialism is trying to dominate. Such actions will not be accepted in Karnataka,” he said.

He also questioned why similar concerns were not raised in northern states where two-language policies exist. “In many northern states, there is only a two-language policy. Why write letters only about Karnataka? Why impose a three-language system on Kannada children?” he asked.

Gowda further warned that continued attempts to impose Hindi could trigger widespread resistance. “We will not accept Hindi imposition in Karnataka. Protect Kannada children’s future instead of interfering in our education system,” he added.

THE ROW

The controversy began after Gehlot wrote to the Karnataka Chief Secretary, urging a review of the state’s decision to introduce a grading-only system for the third language in SSLC exams.

The Governor’s communication followed a representation by language advocacy groups that expressed concern over the academic importance of third-language learning and its role in promoting linguistic diversity.

However, pro-Kannada organisations viewed the move as an indirect attempt to strengthen the role of Hindi and interfere in the state’s education policies.

The issue has since evolved into a broader political and linguistic debate, with several organisations accusing authorities of promoting Hindi at the cost of regional languages.

Reacting to the ongoing controversy, Karnataka Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara said similar issues have been raised in the past and called for a swift resolution.

“This is not the first time such an issue has come up. Particularly in states where Hindi is not widely used, similar concerns have existed earlier. It would be good if this matter is resolved as quickly as possible,” Parameshwara said.

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