Tulu Language Row: MLC Kishor Kumar Demands Withdrawal of Kannada-Only Order

Mangaluru: A fresh controversy has erupted in Karnataka over the official use of the Tulu language, with MLC Kishor Kumar Puttur slamming a recent administrative order mandating the use of Kannada in local panchayat meetings. In a strongly worded post on X on Saturday, June 21, 2025, Kumar called the directive "shocking and foolish," urging the state government to withdraw it and apologize to the people of Tulu Nadu.

The order, dated April 22, 2025, and digitally signed by Jayalakshmi, instructs panchayat members in the Tulu-speaking regions of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi to conduct meetings exclusively in Kannada, despite many members being more fluent in Tulu. Kumar, a vocal advocate for Tulu's cultural significance, argued that the language holds a "motherly status" (termed "Tuluvappe") in the region, akin to Kannada's revered position. He highlighted that many local leaders communicate more effectively in Tulu, making the mandate impractical.

Also Read: Tulu Language Row: Tulu Language Use in Gram Panchayat Meetings Sparks Controversy in Mangaluru

"This order is an insult to Tulu Nadu's heritage," Kumar wrote, attaching an image of the official document. "The government must retract it and seek forgiveness from our people." His comments have sparked a heated debate on social media, with supporters of Tulu language rights amplifying his call.

The Tulu language, spoken by over 1.8 million people primarily in coastal Karnataka and parts of Kerala, has long been a subject of contention. Despite its rich history—dating back over 2,300 years—and efforts to include it in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution, Tulu lacks official language status. Recent assurances from Rural Development Minister Priyank Kharge about considering Tulu as an additional official language have fueled hopes, but the latest order has reignited tensions.

Local activists and Tulu-speaking communities have rallied behind Kumar, with some planning protests. The state government has yet to respond officially, but the issue is expected to dominate upcoming legislative discussions.

Check MLC Kishor Kumar's Tweet -

ಕನ್ನಡ ಭಾಷೆಗೆ ಹೇಗೆ ಮಾತೃಸ್ಥಾನದಲ್ಲಿ ಗೌರವ ಸಿಗುತ್ತದೆಯೋ ಹಾಗೆಯೆ ನಾವು ತುಳುವನ್ನು "ತುಳುವಪ್ಪೆ" ಎಂದು ತಾಯಿಯ ಸ್ಥಾನವನ್ನು ನೀಡಿದ್ದೇವೆ. ಎಷ್ಟೋ ಪಂಚಾಯತ್ ಸದಸ್ಯರು ಕನ್ನಡಕ್ಕಿಂತ ತುಳು ಭಾಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗಿ ಮಾತನಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ ಸಭೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ತುಳು ಬದಲು ಕನ್ನಡ ಭಾಷೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾತನಾಡಿ ಎನ್ನುವ ಆದೇಶ ನಿಜಕ್ಕೂ ಆಘಾತಕಾರಿ ಮತ್ತು… pic.twitter.com/BUtS0RmMxq

— Kishor Kumar Puttur (@KishorPuttur) June 21, 2025 

Keywords: Tulu language, Kishor Kumar Puttur, Karnataka language row, Tulu Nadu, Kannada mandate, official language status, Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, Tulu culture, Eighth Schedule