Kambala is secular, rural sport, says Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah

Mangaluru: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that the state government has given Rs five lakh each to organise 24 Kambala in the region.

Speaking at the Lava Kusha Jodukare Naringana Kambalotsava, he said, "Kambala is an ancient rural sport that is extremely popular in this region. It is a secular sport where people from all castes and religions participate."

"When the Supreme Court banned Kambala, it was the Congress-led government that played a key role in lifting the ban to conserve and preserve this traditional sport. Farmers take great care of the Kambala buffaloes. MLA Ashok Kumar and his team initiated Kambala in Bengaluru last year, and the government supported the initiative," he added.

The CM said, "India is known for its pluralistic society. Despite having several religions and castes, we foster love and respect for one another. We should not engage in hate against each other. The Congress government does not divide people based on caste and religion. We are all human beings, regardless of our caste or religion. We must embrace humanity and uphold the principles of unity in diversity."

He also emphasised that the Congress government has implemented the five guarantee schemes as promised, without any bias towards caste or religion. These benefits reach all poor people, regardless of their caste or religion. To promote gender equality, women must be economically empowered.

The government will also seriously consider recognising Tulu as the second official language of Karnataka, as per the CM. He spoke of how MLA UT Khader, after he became the Assembly Speaker, had launched development projects worth Rs 1,000 crore in Mangaluru, a constituency he represents. "This reflects Khader's deep commitment and love for his constituency," the CM remarked.

As per Siddaramaiah, U T Khader, a five-time MLA, had 'risen above' the CM in protocol as Speaker. "Better opportunities may arise in the future, but nothing is permanent in politics," he added.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare Dinesh Gundu Rao, Assembly Speaker UT Khader, and others were present at the event.

The CM handed over cheques to the family that lost three of their own in the tragic gas cylinder explosion incident in Manjanady village, Ullal taluk. A total of Rs 15 lakh (Rs 5 lakh each) was given to the family.

DYFI Attempts to Gherao CM

Police arrested DYFI members who attempted to gherao the Chief Minister by displaying posters demanding the suspension of Commissioner of Police Anupam Agrawal.

While CM Siddaramaiah was on a district tour, DYFI activists decided to protest by displaying posters and shouting slogans near Padua Junction. However, they were detained by the police and taken to Mulki police station, located on the outskirts of the city, as a precautionary measure.

DYFI leaders, including District President B.K. Imtiyaz, Secretary Santosh Bajal, Treasurer Manoj Kumar Vamanjoor, and other leaders, were detained.