Bengaluru: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and JD(S) leader HD Kumaraswamy sought an apology from Karnataka Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa for "ignoring Kannada language" during the foundation stone-laying event of the Bhadravathi Rapid Action Force (RAF) Centre in Shivamogga.
Former Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy today tweeted against Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Karnataka's BJP leaders. In the tweet, he raised concern over Kannada not being used on a plaque unveiled at a RAF unit's foundation stone-laying ceremony at Bhadravathi in Shivamogga. The use of only English and Hindi on the panel was an "insult to the pride of Kannadigas", the JDS leader said.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah laid the foundation stone for the RAF unit in Bhadravathi of Shivamogga district on Saturday. But the inscription plaque unveiled on the occasion to mark the foundation stone laying in only Hindi and English. It clearly shows that Kannada has been ignored though the foundation stone has been laid in Karnataka, said Kumaraswamy.
It is the responsibility of the Centre to show due respect towards the languages of the state. as our country, which is known for its diversity, has adopted the three-language formula to ensure that the importance of state languages is not undermined. But the violation of such a sensitive norm by the Union Home Minister himself is an insult to the Kannada language as well as Kannadigas, said HDK leader.
It is highly condemnable that even the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister who were present on the occasion chose to ignore dignity and honour of our land and its language. The behaviour of Shah who has ignored Kannada in the process of providing prominence to English and Hindi indicates anti-Kannada attitude. It is an insult to the pride of Kannadigas. It is Karnataka that has given land for the Centre’s RAF unit, HD Kumaraswamy tweeted.
It is an unpardonable act that despite getting land from Karnataka for RAF unit, Kannada has been completely ignored in the foundation stone plaque. Amit Shah should clarify to Kannadigas on the episode of violation of three-language formula in the foundation stone plaque. Those who tolerate an insult to the dignity and honour of land, as well as its language, are not fit to hold the reigns of the state’s administration. The act and behaviour of the Union Home Minister, Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister are nothing but betraying Kannadigas, HDK said.
Besides, opposition leader Siddaramaiah has said that the imposition of Hindi is not easy in the state. He said, " Kannada must be there, absence is a crime. I strongly condemn this."
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