Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru (SP)

Bengaluru, Nov 18: Many pro-Kannada organisations have expressed anger at the decision of the state government to set up the Maratha Development Corporation. They have warned that unless the order is withdrawn before November 27, they will call for statewide bandh on December 5.

Under the leadership of Vatal Nagaraj, president of Kannada Okkoota, a protest against the formation of the said corporation was held at Mysorebank Circle here on Tuesday November 17. Speaking on the occasion, Nagaraj termed the decision to set up the corporation as unscientific. He said that the chief minister was wrong in agreeing to the proposal and criticised Kannada Development Authority for remaining mum.

He said that if this is allowed, in the coming years separate authorities may be formed by the government for Tamil, Telugu, Malayali, Gujarati, and other languages.

President of Dr Rajkumar Fans Association, Sa Ra Govind, noted that Marathas create a lot of problems at Belagavi during Rajyotsava every year. "Marathi people have been issuing insulting statements about Karnataka and Kannada. What compulsion did the government face to establish the corporation?" he wanted to know.

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike president, T A Narayana Gowda and Kannada Rakshana Vedike - Praveen Shetty faction also opposed the move. They said they will wait for the government's response till November 27.