The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Bengaluru): Karnataka’s Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has made a public appeal to the Governor, Thawar Chand Gehlot, for a reconsideration of the ordinance that mandates the use of the Kannada language on name boards. This plea comes after the Governor refrained from signing the ordinance, effectively sending it back.
During a press briefing at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Shivakumar expressed his views on the Governor’s decision to reject the ordinance. He stressed that language is a sensitive matter for the Kannadiga community and highlighted that neither the public nor any political party has opposed the ordinance. The Deputy Chief Minister is urging the Governor to reevaluate it.
Shivakumar expressed confusion and concern over the Governor’s decision to withhold his signature from the ordinance, which requires 60% of the text on name boards to be in Kannada. He emphasized the state’s commitment to safeguarding national interests, as well as its responsibility to protect the Kannada language, culture, and pride. The ordinance was initially proposed in response to protests by pro-Kannada activists.
Following the rejection of the ordinance, the state government plans to introduce a bill addressing the same issue in the upcoming Assembly session, which is set to commence in 10 to 15 days.
In response to a query about Congress MLA Balakrishna’s alleged statement on discontinuing guarantee schemes if the Congress party fails to secure enough seats in the forthcoming parliamentary elections, Shivakumar clarified that no such statement was made. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of spreading false rumors about the discontinuation of guarantee schemes post-elections.
Additionally, Shivakumar mentioned a recent meeting he attended with Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and district in-charge secretaries at Vidhana Soudha. The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of government programs, including the implementation of guarantee schemes, and addressing challenges faced in districts due to drought.
The Deputy Chief Minister also announced a mega convention for Congress party workers to be held in Mangaluru on February 17, urging party members to participate in large numbers.