by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

Bangalore, Feb 7: In a people-friendly move, the Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy today instructed Police officials and security personnel to allow free access for the public, particularly for those from rural areas, who come with various needs to Vidhana Soudha. He ordered them to stop barring the public from entering Vidhana Soudha in the name of security for VIPs.

Addressing a conference of writers and intellectuals in connection with Suvarna Karnataka celebrations, at the Vidhana Soudha conference hall here this morning, Kumaraswamy disclosed that as part of the celebrations, the Department of Kannada and Culture would organise the presentation of folk art from all the 27 districts in the State on every Sunday from 6 pm to 9 pm at the venue between Vidhana Soudha and Vikasa Soudha.

This programme will help in the development of tourism, he opined and said that the Kannada and Culture Department will provide all the necessary facilities to the artistes from other districts.

The Chief Minister also announced that he would lead a delegation of writers and intellectuals to the Prime Minister to demand classical status for Kannada.

Deputy Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa, former Vice-Chancellor Prof. D. Javaregowda, former Mysore Urban Development Authority Chairman Sandesh Nagaraj, Director T.N. Sitaram of Muktha fame, Dr. M. Chidanandamurthy, Prof. L.S. Sheshagiri Rao, former Kannada Sahitya Parishat President G. Narayan, MLC Mukhyamantri Chandru and others were present.