JOIN USStir against Chennabasappa, says BJP; Cong, JD(S) say no
The BJP has extended its support to the protest by various organisations, against litterateur Ko Chennabasappa, on Saturday.
On the other hand, a few orgnaisations have demanded the district administration to provide suitable security to Ko Chennabasappa, who will take part in All India Kannada literary meet. The Congress and the JD(S) have appealed to the protesters not to stage protest.
‘Tippu Vybhavikarana Virodhi Samiti’ members said that Channabasappa, in a recent book on Tippu, had said that Kodava people came to Kodagu from outside the country. This had hurt the sentiments of the people. The writer should tender an apology for hurting the sentiments of the people. The committee will stage a road block on Saturday between 10 am and 12 noon, said Committee member Ainanda Acchappa.
Theatre artiste Addanda Cariappa said “the writer should seek an apology before visiting Madikeri. If he fails to seek an apology, then we will intensify protest.”
On the other hand, MP H Vishwanath has appealed to the people not not to stage protest. “Ko Chennabasappa has vast knowledge on Kannada language and culture. It is not right to protest against him. Those who have differences of opinion can discuss with him during his visit to the district.”
In the meantime, Pragathipara Chinthakara Vedike and Tippu Sulthan Horata Samithi has said that Chennabasappa had not insulted Kodavas. He has written the book ‘Aprathima Deshabhaktha Tippu Sulthan’ after making an indepth study.
‘Externate protesters’
Former MLC A K Subbaiah has urged the State government to externate all those who are getting ready to stage a protest against the writer, on January 7.
Speaking to mediapersons, he said Ko Chennabasappa had not insulted Kodavas. “A few organisations are trying to sow the seeds of hate among Kodavas and Muslims in the name of Tippu Sulthan.”
As immediate past President Ko Chennabassappa will arrive at Madikeri to take part in the literary convention. The government should provide security to him and externate those who are conspiring to sow the seeds of hate.
The writer had not glorified Tippu Sulthan in his article. If we look at the history of mankind, all the community members have originally come from Africa. On this basis, in the article he had written that Kodavas have come from ‘Vayuvya’ (North West). Where is the question of insult in it? he asked.
JD(S) youth wing President Abdul Razak has said that the BJP is engaged in protest against Tippu Sulthan keeping in mind the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.