Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Feb 6: The members of Coastal Kulala Kubara’s (Potters) Vedike Mangaluru and Karnataka State Kumbara Mahasangha (Coastal division) staged a peaceful protest with pots on their head in front of Clock Tower at Udupi on Sunday, February 5. The protest was against Energy Minister D K Shivakumar’s derogatory statement on the potter community.

Dr Annayya Kulal, the state executive president of the Karnataka State Kumbara Mahasangha, speaking on occasion said, "Energy minister, on Thursday, February 2, said in a public meeting that 'the Siddharamayya government was not a 'potter’s pot', that would collapse on the spot.' The statement was hurtful. He could have used another object while giving an example, it was not necessary to insult the potter community."

"The state made a defamatory statement about the community which hurts their feelings and self-respect. There are 3 lac kumbaras in undivided Dakshina Kannada. Being a responsible minister, DK Shivakumar should not have made such a statement. He should apologise openly to the community."

Kumbha Kala Nigam should separate itself from the Devaraj Urs Corporation. Once that is done, the community will get a Rs 50-crore grant for development. The community has no strong representative in the politics, that is why the Government neglects them," said Annayya.

Satish Kulal Nadur, Karnataka chief secretary, Rajesh Kulal, Shankar Kulal, Perampali Aithu Kulal and others were present.