Political tempers have flared in Karnataka after the state government issued an official invitation in Urdu for a Health Department programme, drawing sharp criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party, which accused the ruling Congress of indulging in appeasement politics.The invitation, circulated by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, related to the launch of a preventive treatment initiative and free ambulance services for haemophilia patients. Alongside Kannada and English, the department released a version in Urdu, a move that triggered a political exchange between the treasury benches and the opposition.
Senior BJP leaders questioned the need for an Urdu version, arguing that Kannada, as the state’s official language, should have been sufficient for official communication, with English serving broader administrative purposes. Party spokespersons described the decision as politically motivated, alleging that the Congress was attempting to consolidate minority support ahead of future electoral contests.
Congress leaders rejected the charge, maintaining that the use of Urdu was intended to ensure wider accessibility for sections of the population that are more comfortable reading the language. They stressed that the programme in question was a public health measure aimed at vulnerable patients and not a political event.
Health officials clarified that the initiative focuses on strengthening preventive care for haemophilia, a genetic bleeding disorder that requires consistent medical management. The scheme includes structured treatment protocols, awareness campaigns and dedicated ambulance services for emergency support. According to department representatives, multilingual communication was adopted to maximise outreach among patients and families who may otherwise miss critical information.
Karnataka has a linguistically diverse population. While Kannada is the primary language, significant communities use Urdu, particularly in urban centres such as Bengaluru, Kalaburagi and Mysuru. Census data indicate that Urdu speakers form a notable minority in the state, making it one of the more widely spoken languages after Kannada.
Language has long been a sensitive subject in Karnataka’s political discourse. Successive governments have faced pressure to prioritise Kannada in administration and education, even as they navigate the realities of a multilingual society. Disputes over signboards, school curricula and official notifications have periodically surfaced, reflecting broader debates over identity and inclusion.
Opposition figures contend that issuing official invitations in Urdu risks diluting the primacy of Kannada in governance. Some BJP leaders framed the move as inconsistent with efforts to strengthen Kannada usage across departments. They argued that public funds should not be used for what they termed symbolic gestures.
Congress functionaries countered that multilingual communication in public health is neither unprecedented nor unlawful. They pointed out that central and state governments have previously issued materials in multiple languages to reach targeted communities, especially in vaccination drives, maternal health campaigns and disease prevention programmes. According to them, the objective remains public welfare rather than political signalling.
Public health experts note that haemophilia management requires timely intervention, awareness and consistent follow-up. Patients often rely on government hospitals for factor replacement therapy and emergency care. Delays in treatment can lead to severe complications, including joint damage and life-threatening bleeding episodes. From a healthcare perspective, ensuring that information reaches patients in a language they understand can directly affect outcomes.
Advocates working with haemophilia support groups welcomed the expansion of ambulance services, saying transport during bleeding episodes can be critical. Some patient representatives expressed concern that the political controversy might overshadow the substance of the programme, which they described as a necessary step in improving care infrastructure.
Legal observers underline that there is no constitutional bar on issuing government communications in multiple languages, provided official norms are followed. Urdu enjoys recognition under the Constitution as one of the scheduled languages. In Karnataka, while Kannada remains the official language, administrative circulars and public notices have at times appeared in additional languages depending on context and target audience.
Political analysts see the episode as part of a broader pattern in which language and minority outreach become flashpoints in competitive state politics. Karnataka has witnessed closely fought elections in the past decade, with shifts in power between the Congress and the BJP. Symbolic issues often acquire amplified significance in such an environment.