Date:20/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/20/stories/2008022054000300.htm

Karnataka

MLC stresses need for unity

Staff Correspondent

HASSAN: ‘Mukhyamantri’ Chandru, MLC, has said that lack of unity among Kannadigas is the reason for them being exploited. If this situation continues, the State might become “non-existent” in a few years.

He was addressing a gathering at the Hassan District Karnataka Rakshana Vedike Swabhimani Samavesha on the Government High School grounds here on Monday.

He said that despite Kannada being 1,500 years old, the Centre was yet to accord it the status of a classical language. Kannada had been given a back seat in administration as well as in education. Mr. Chandru said that lack of unity among the people had led to the State Government ignoring the Sarojini Mahishi Committee report and the Baragur Ramachandrappa report on employment to local people

“It is high time we raised our voices and sought greater benefits. The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike has done a commendable job by taking up its cause,” he said.

Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha president Kodihalli Chandrashekar charged politicians with having neglected Karnataka and said that President’s Rule had deprived poor people of ration cards, leaving them to fend for themselves.