Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Nov 15: Supreme Court advocate Sandeep Patil has urged Kannadigas living in Goa to support the state on the Mhadei issue and called for stronger political representation for the Kannada community, including the election of a community member as an MLA.

He was speaking as the chief guest at the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations organised by the Akhila Goa Kannada Mahasangh at Zuarinagar, Sancoale. Vasco MLA Krishna Daji Salkar, BJP Karnataka Cell convenor Murli Shetty and other dignitaries were present.

Addressing the gathering, Patil said Kannadigas who had been living in Goa for several years should stand by the state on matters concerning its interests, particularly the Mhadei issue. He emphasised that the community should support Goa in its efforts on the matter.

Patil also said the time had come for a Kannadiga to emerge as a leader and represent the community at a higher political level. He urged Kannadigas to strengthen their leadership and ensure that their voice was heard on public and political platforms.

Meanwhile, Murli Shetty said Kannadigas who had settled in Goa and made it their home over the years had consistently supported the state. He noted that the community shared a long-standing association with Goa and had contributed to its social fabric.

Clarifying his political position, Shetty said he was only a BJP karyakarta and had no political ambitions or aspirations for any political post.