JOIN USTaking a dig at veteran writer Sumatheendra R Nadiga’s reported statement on Karnataka's Naada Geethe (state anthem), Rajya Vokkaliga Sangha president Appaji Gowda demanded an apology from the literary critic.
Speaking to mediapersons here on Friday, Gowda said Nadiga should withdraw his statement and tender an unconditional apology, failing which, the sangha will launch a State-wide protest. Nadiga has reportedly said that Karnataka's Naada Geethe, penned by Kuvempu, is ‘not a good poem’.
“Jaya Bharata Jananiya Tanujate is one of the most popular poems in the State and has won the heart of millions of people. This was the reason why this song, penned by Jnanpith awardee Kuvempu, was made the State anthem. However, Nadiga has said that this is not a good poem and by saying so, he has not only shown disrespect to Kuvempu but also to the State government,” Gowda said.He said that the comments made by Nadiga reflects ‘how intolerant his mind is’.