Under pressure of missionaries, Siddaramaiah government wiping out Karnataka's culture: BJP

The Karnataka BJP has accused the Congress government in the state of succumbing to pressure from missionaries and issuing orders that threaten the identity and culture of Karnataka and the Kannada language. The party claims that the government has made singing the regional anthem in private schools optional, and has also changed the slogan of Rastra Kavi Kuvempu, disrespecting the Kannada people.

According to the BJP, the Congress government is bowing to pressure from 90% of private schools run by missionaries, resulting in the erosion of local culture and language. The party has called for the immediate reversal of the order and the compulsory singing of the regional anthem in private schools.

The order released by the Kannada and Culture Department on February 16 mentioned that singing the regional anthem of Karnataka state is now mandatory only in government schools, departments, and functions organized by government departments. This change has sparked criticism and controversy, with the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, R. Ashoka, accusing the Congress government of displaying an anti-Kannada stance.

Kannada and Culture Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi has responded by claiming that the decision was a mere printing mistake and assured that it will be rectified. He emphasized the government’s commitment to the Kannada language.

The controversy surrounding the order has reignited the debate over the preservation of regional culture and language in Karnataka, with the BJP and opposition leaders criticizing the Congress government’s actions and calling for a reversal of the decision.

The issue continues to generate debate and criticism as the government faces pressure from various quarters to uphold the cultural heritage and identity of Karnataka and the Kannada language.