The State government is in favour of declaring Tulu as Karnataka’s second official language and said a decision would be taken after studying the models adopted by West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh, Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi informed the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday.
Replying to a question by Congress member Ashok Rai, the Minister said an official team had visited West Bengal and Andhra Pradesh to study the second official language models followed in those States. However, the team is yet to submit its report. Once received, a meeting will be convened with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to take a decision, he said. Andhra Pradesh has declared Urdu as its second official language, he added.
From all parties
Members cutting across party lines from Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts urged the government to declare Tulu as the second official language of the State.
Pointing out that Tulu academies have been established and universities are offering courses in the language, Mr. Rai, who represents Puttur, said the State should accord official status to Tulu. Intervening, Speaker U.T. Khader also supported the demand and said the government should seriously consider the proposal.
Mr. Rai said Tulu has a history of over 3,000 years, has its own script, and is included in Google Translate. He added that the language is being researched by foreign universities.
The previous BJP government in 2023 had constituted a committee headed by educationist Mohan Alva, which recommended that Tulu could be declared the State’s second official language under Article 345 of the Constitution. The committee had also suggested forming a panel to study the practices followed by other States.
BJP member D. Vedavyasa Kamath demanded an early decision on declaring Tulu as an official language.
Banter in Tulu
The House witnessed lighter moments when Mr. Khader and other members from the region interacted in Tulu for a brief while. “I don’t know what abuse Mr. Kamath showered upon me in Tulu,” Mr. Tangadagi remarked.
Responding, Mr. Khader said, “Don’t worry. When Tulu people express praise or abuse, it is with love and affection.”
Immediately, Deputy Speaker Rudrappa Manappa Lamani demanded the official language status to the Lambani language.
Published – January 28, 2026 06:48 pm IST
