Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (NP)
Udupi, Mar 2: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has once again issued a stern warning to the film industry over their absence from the International Film Festival. Addressing the issue, he stated, "Let the film industry say whatever they want; I have spoken the truth that I know. If they wish to protest or fight, they are free to do so. However, they did not stand with us in the struggle for our water rights."
Referring to the Mekedatu project, he added, "When we fought for our land and water beyond party lines, where were they? During the Mekedatu Yatra, none of them showed up. They always claim they are fighting for land and water issues, but when the time comes, they don’t participate. Actors like Prem, Duniya Vijay, and Sadhu Kokila stood by us and even faced cases. It was the BJP leaders who filed cases against them."
Taking a dig at the film industry, he questioned, "Whose function was held yesterday? Was it my event? People say the film industry is dying, theaters are shutting down, and they are struggling for survival. If that is the case, then for whom is the International Film Festival being organized? If we say it’s for the industry, then everyone—including cameramen, scriptwriters, actors, and directors—should participate. How does it make sense if they don’t show up for their own event?"
Further criticising the BJP, Shivakumar said, "R Ashoka can do whatever he wants, even stand on his head if necessary. We are conducting IT, BT, and investors' summits. Does that mean only Congress workers benefit? Are we providing the Griha Lakshmi and Griha Jyoti schemes only for Congress supporters? Let the BJP leaders call on their workers not to avail of these guarantee schemes. Let them openly declare that they won’t accept the benefits Congress has provided. But the truth is, people from all parties are enjoying these schemes."
He concluded, "The public is clear-headed, but some leaders are simply burning with jealousy because they have not been given a chance."