Udupi: Rajyotsava - Discontentment Brews, MLA, KSP Stay Away

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Nov 2: Local MLA Raghupati Bhat stayed away from the functions held in connection with Rajyotsava on Monday November 1 by the district administration, to show his resentment at the choice of Rajyotsava awardees. At the same time, office-bearers of the district Kannada Sahitya Parishat (KSP) too were conspicuous by their absence at the programmes. They were apparently peeved at not being extended an invitation for the programmes by the district administration.

Reportedly, the district administration chose the Rajyotsava awardees without allowing any political interference, at the behest of the district in-charge minister, Dr V S Acharya. It is said that the district administration refused to entertain certain recommendations made by the local MLA, Raghupati Bhat, for the awards. Therefore, he decided to show his displeasure by not attending any of the programmes.

Responding to media queries, Raghupati Bhat said that in the past, the district administration used to seek recommendations from the local MLA for the Rajyotsava awards. “The names the local MLA suggested were normally taken into consideration. This year, this practice was given a go-by. Moreover, certain educational institutions engaged in commercializing education were chosen for the awards. As I was angry at these developments, I decided not to take part in these programmes,” he said.

KSP district president, Ambatanaya Mudrady, said that the district unit of KSP did not receive any invitation for the programmes. “In other districts, the Kannada Sahitya Parishat office bearers are extended an invitation for these programmes by the district administration. As we were unhappy at the fact that we were cold-shouldered, we chose not to attend these programmes. It is not nice to go to the programmes uninvited, and force ourselves on others,” he explained.

KSP honourary general secretary, Tingale Vikramarjun Hegde, said that the district unit of KSP decided to boycott the Rajyotsava programmes as the district administration has not been supporting any of the programmes taken up by the district unit of KSP.