Date:18/05/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/05/18/stories/2005051806420300.htm

Karnataka - Bidar

`Let people decide on inter-State disputes'

Staff Correspondent

BIDAR: "The common people should decide on issues relating to border disputes, sharing of river waters, and language and culture development. Decisions on such sensitive issues should not be taken by politicians," B.B. Pujari, writer and professor, Sangameshwar College in Solapur, has said.

Presenting a paper on "Harmony between different linguistic groups in border areas" at the Gadinadu Utsav organised by the Department of Kannada and Culture here on Monday, Dr. Pujari felt that nine out of 10 disputes created by individuals with vested interests.

A politician, who creates an issue and inflames people's emotions, need not have to do anything worthwhile to get votes. His reign is assured as long as he manages to keep the issue unresolved, Dr. Pujari said.

He called upon the people to see through the real intentions of the leaders and stop supporting such issues.

He called upon the Governments of Karnataka and Maharashtra to take steps to develop Kannada and Marathi.