Date:04/12/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/12/04/stories/2005120405590400.htm

Karnataka - Bangalore

Maharashtra asked not to once again rake up border row

Staff Reporter

Mahajan Commission report final, says Chandre Gowda Mahajan panel report final, says Chandre Gowda

D.B. Chandre Gowda

Bangalore: The former Law Minister D.B. Chandre Gowda on Saturday said Karnataka had accepted the Mahajan Commission report in a democratic spirit, even though it lost the Kannada-speaking areas of Kasaragod, Akkalkot, Jath and Solapur. It had done this with a view to solving the border disputes and having harmonious relations with the neighbouring States.

He was inaugurating the Suvarna Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations and blood donation camp organised by the Karnataka State Legislative Assembly and Council Secretariat Associations. Mr. Gowda expressed surprise that Maharashtra and what he called some mischievous elements there are raking up the border issue now. He reminded them that the Centre appointed the Mahajan Com- mission only after getting an assurance from Maharashtra and Karnataka that they would abide by the commission's report and advised them not to create any more trouble. He said even Parliament had approved the report, putting a final seal on the border dispute. The Assembly and Council ratified the report.

Hailing the recent invitation to President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to address a joint session of the legislature on the occasion of the golden jubilee of the formation of the State, Mr. Gowda commended Assembly Speaker Krishna and Council Chairman V.R. Sudarshan for organising the historic event.

T.A. Narayana Gowda, President, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike, questioned the need for organising the Bangalore Habba when Kannadigas are at the receiving end. Unless, the Union Government accords classical language status to Kannada and solves the problems faced by Kannadigas, it is not worth celebrating any festival.

The fact that 35 great works of Kannada poetry have been produced is enough for according classical language status to Kannada, he added.

Mr. Sudarshan, who presided, apologised to Mr. Gowda for thin attendance of secretariat employees at the Rajyotsava function and said he would consult the Assembly Speaker and issue a circular making it mandatory for the employees to attend Independence Day, Republic Day and Rajyotsava functions.

Mr. Gowda presented certificates to blood donors.