Bengaluru: The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) has come down heavily on the Siddaramaiah-led Congress government for what it termed as an “indirect attack on Kannadigas” through its move to impose restrictions on programs organized by various associations in public spaces.
KRV president Praveen Kumar Shetty expressed strong displeasure over the decision, saying the restrictions — though seemingly aimed at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) — would in fact hurt Kannada organizations and activists more than anyone else.
“This order will not affect the RSS in the slightest. It will instead hinder the activities of Kannada groups working for the language and the state’s interests,” Shetty said.
He argued that if the Kannada language or identity comes under attack, it is always the pro-Kannada organizations that take the lead in defending it. “The government should have considered their contribution before taking such a sweeping decision,” he added.
Shetty further claimed that if the order was strictly about the RSS, the KRV would not have objected. “But the Siddaramaiah government seems to be targeting pro-Kannada outfits and Kannadigas under the guise of restricting the RSS,” he alleged.
Pro-Kannada activists accused the government of “behaving like an anti-Kannada entity” for political gains. “Kannada flags should be flying high across Karunadu, not restricted. The government appears to be cooking political porridge at the cost of Kannada pride,” a KRV leader said.
The organization also questioned the practicality of the move, pointing out that while the RSS could easily shift its events to neighboring states and still make headlines, Kannada organizations have no such alternative.
KRV leaders warned the Congress government to “stop its anti-Kannada stance” and uphold the identity and cultural rights of Kannadigas, reminding that “Karunadu is the only home for Kannadigas.”