The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : ‘State MPs not doing much for Kannada’

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Thursday, Feb 07, 2008
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‘State MPs not doing much for Kannada’

Staff Reporter

Protest held for early decision on classical language tag

— Photo: Bhagya Prakash K.

Raising their voice: (From left) Hi. Chi. Shanthaveeraiah, Go. Ru. Channabasappa, Pradhan Gurudutt, M. Chidananda Murthy, H.S. Doreswamy and D. Javare Gowda staging a protest in front of the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Bangalore on Wednesday.

BANGALORE: Writers and Kannada activists held a massive demonstration seeking classical language tag for Kannada and protesting the “inaction” of the members of Parliament from the State in protecting Kannadigas’ interests, here on Wednesday.

The protest was launched by the former Vice-Chancellor of Mysore University D. Javare Gowda, who is on a mission to get classical language tag for Kannada, in the presence of freedom fighter H.S. Doreswamy at the Gandhi statue on Mahatma Gandhi Road.

It was organised by Karnataka Kaigarika Mattu Vanijyodyama Kannada Sanghagala Okkoota.

The writers and activists rued the Centre’s inaction on Kannadigas’ demand even as Tamil was given the recognition.

‘Injustice’

Highlighting the Centre’s step-motherly towards Karnataka and Kannada, they said that the “injustice” to Kannadigas in Central Government recruitment, including in the Railways, was of serious concern.

The activists urged the Centre to modify recruitment rules to allow local recruitment at least for Group ‘C’ and ‘D’ posts.

Among those present at the protest were M. Chidananda Murthy, Go. Ru. Channabasappa, Pradhan Gurudutt, B.T. Lalitha Naik, Leeladevi R. Prasad, K. Prabhakara Reddy, Hi. Chi. Shanthaveeraiah, Tirumale Srirangacharya, M.G.R. Urs and M.S. Venkatesh.

Arrested

Meanwhile, the police arrested Akhila Karnataka Gadi Horata Samiti activists, including its president Vatal Nagaraj, who attempted to hold a dharna in front of the Raj Bhavan gate on Wednesday.

Appointment

The activists were protesting against the “injustice” to Kannadigas in Railway recruitment, appointment of Andhra Pradesh MLC Rajya Lakshmi as member of the Syndicate of the women’s university, neglect of Karnataka in new railway projects and the like.

The samiti will submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister in February last week listing its various demands. It has also decided to call a State-wide bandh in March.

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