The Hindu
Bangalore, Mar 30: The electoral battle in the ensuing general elections to the Lok Sabha from Karnataka is likely to have a linguistic dimension with pro-Kannada organisations considering the possibility of fielding their candidates under a common banner. They are expected to float a common forum, under which all the pro-Kannada organisations can come together.
Several pro-Kannada organisations, under the banner of Akhila Karnataka Gadi Rakshana Samiti, had an interaction here on Sunday.
The participants including samiti chief Vatal Nagaraj, the former president of Kannada Sahitya Parishat Chandrashekhar Patil, the former Minister B.T. Lalitha Naik and the former legislator Prabhakhar Reddy observed that there was a dire need for the Kannada protagonists to enter the poll fray to protect the interests of the State with respect to language, land and rivers besides the comprehensive development of the State. They accused the national political parties of failing to protect the interests of the State in these matters.
Interestingly, while some leaders were of the view that the pro-Kannada organisations should contest in several constituencies, Mr. Patil said it would be better to contest only one seat.
He noted that such a strategy would make the efforts effective and ensure victory. Addressing presspersons after the meeting, Mr. Nagaraj said a final decision on the number of seats to be contested and the names of candidates would be taken in three days.
He said he would consult all the pro-Kannada leaders and convince them to join hands in the poll battle. A manifesto would also be released.
He said the pro-Kannada activists would raise resources for the poll battle through nominal contribution of one rupee from Kannadigas.
He was critical of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party in the State and declared that pro-Kannada activists would fight against the “divisive policies” of the BJP throughout the State. He accused the BJP of using money power and trying to divide people on the lines of caste and religion for the sake of votes.