The Congress government in Karnataka is facing significant criticism following a notification mandating proficiency in Urdu for candidates applying for Anganwadi teacher positions in the Mudigere and Chikkamagaluru districts. The decision has sparked outrage from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which alleges that the Congress is "appeasing" the Muslim community at the expense of local linguistic interests.

Former BJP MP Nalin Kumar Kateel expressed his discontent with the decision, stating, "Mandating knowledge of Urdu for Anganwadi teacher jobs is unacceptable. This is another attempt by Congress to favour the Muslim community and limit job opportunities for others. It’s a dangerous political tactic that undermines the rights of Kannada speakers." His remarks reflect a growing sentiment within the BJP that the Congress is prioritising minority interests over the majority population in the state.

The controversy stems from an order issued by the Department of Women and Child Welfare, which requires proficiency in Urdu for applicants in these districts, as reported by India Today. The BJP has been vocal on social media, taking to platform X to voice their disapproval. They argued, "The Karnataka government is imposing Urdu in Kannada-speaking regions. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Minister Laxmi Hebbalkar must clarify why Urdu is being prioritised over Kannada, the official language of the state." This rhetoric emphasises the BJP's stance that the move is politically motivated and detrimental to local culture.

In response to the backlash, the Mudigere Education Department raised concerns regarding the local population's diversity, noting that Muslims constitute approximately 31.94% of the demographic. According to government guidelines, in areas where minority communities make up over 25% of the population, hiring workers proficient in the minority language, alongside Kannada, is encouraged. However, this focus on Urdu has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters, with many arguing that it may sideline Kannada-speaking candidates.

Pro-Kannada groups have demanded that Kannada proficiency be made a mandatory requirement for these positions. They have also called for job applications to be provided in Kannada to ensure that local candidates are not disadvantaged. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between accommodating linguistic diversity and maintaining the cultural identity of Karnataka, raising questions about the future of language policy in the state. As the situation unfolds, the Congress government will need to address these concerns to quell the growing discontent among its critics.