Vokkaligara Sangha up in arms over Karnad's remark

Two plaints filed against writer over statement at Tipu event

Members of Rajya Vokkaligara Sangha on Wednesday staged a demonstration on the KIMS campus here, demanding that the State government take legal action against writer Girish Karnad over his statement.

Addressing protesters, Sangha president Appaji Gowda said, “We want an unconditional apology from the writer for his baseless statements and also a clarification from the government as Karnad made the statement at a government function. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should condemn the statement and clarify that there is no move to rename the airport.”

The activists of Bajrang Dal and other right-wing organisations, who staged a demonstration in front of Town Hall, Malleswaram and other parts of the City, also condemned Karnad’s statement.

The protest was primarily against the State government, holding it responsible for the death of Vishwa Hindu Parishad activist Kuttappa during a protest against Tipu Jayanti celebrations in Madikeri on Tuesday.

Two separate complaints were lodged against Karnad with the Vidhana Soudha police on Wednesday, stating that he had hurt the sentiments of the people by his statement.

The complaints were lodged by M T Girish Gowda, president, Human Rights and Anti-Corruption Cell, and Chi Na Ramu, a Kannada activist.

In his complaint, Gowda said Karnad’s statement that the Kempegowda International Airport should be renamed as Tipu Sultan Airport had hurt the sentiments of the Hindus, especially those from the Vokkaliga community. He has demanded action against the writer. A similar complaint has been filed by Ramu.

A police officer said as there is no appropriate provision in the law to book a person on this count, they have sought legal opinion and suggestions from the police top brass on how to proceed with the complaints.
 
Vigil at writer’s house
Security provided to Karnad’s house at JP Nagar has been heightened following the controversy. Additional constables have been posted at his house. “We are keeping a watch to make sure that no untoward incident takes place,” a police officer said. A group of people had staged a protest in front of Karnad’s house on Tuesday evening.