Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JS/EP)

Udupi, Feb 25: “Devadiga community which is known by the names of Devadiga, Sherigar, Moily etc and spread in Udupi, Dakshina Kannada, Uttara Kannada, Shivamogga, Sagar, Kodagu, Bengaluru and made substantial contribution to the society should have Devadiga Nigama Mandali and suitable representation in politics,” urged Vishwa Devadiga Mahamandala president Dharmapal Devadiga.

“Devadiga community is not provided any monetary package by the government. Though they know all the rituals, there is a conspiracy to keep us away from the temple management committees. We had demanded for Devadiga Development Corporation in 2021. Though most of the other communities are approved, our community has been deserted. The local MLAs, ministers, Lok Sabha members and backward class commissions to whom the requests are made from time to time have ignored our requests.

“All the communities are represented by one or two MLAs. Devadiga community has a population of between eight lacs to ten lacs. The highest numbers of voters in the community are in Byndoor constituency. Our youth also have leadership qualities. But other leaders in the political parties do not allow them to grow. Veerappa Moily belongs to our community. He needs to consider all as equal,” he said.

He further said that they have visited chief minister Basavaraj Bommai, ministers Kota Srinivas Poojary, S Angara, Araga Jnanendra and submitted a memorandum to them.

Mahamandala chief secretary Hiriadka Mohandas, secretary Ganesh Devadiga Ambalapady, Devadiga Seva Sangha president Prasad Sherigar and member Rathnakar were present in the news conference.