Daijiworld Media Network-Mangaluru (SHS)

Moodbidri, Nov 17: The festive Fervour of three-day cultural fest Alva's Nudisiri ended with the serious note here at Alvas, with Nadoja Dr Siddalingaiah claiming that Kasargod which was given to Kerala earlier was an issue to be debated and the place had to be absolved back by the state of Karnataka.

The Pro Dalit poet, whose presence infuriated left ideologists in the district, told that Kannadigas were less bothered over border issues thus resulting in leaving away few places to other states. "Kannadigas were least interested in fighting for the cause of protecting Karnataka border", he hit out.

He availed valedictory platform of Nudisiri to showcase his stance on Karnataka, saying he had made all efforts to popularize Kannada in the state. Siddalingaiah informed that while he was the president of Karnataka Development Authority, he was the prime force in passing an order to write all the sign boards in Kannada, even imposing fine for not obeying the orders. He said that stay order was imposed on his initiative. He requested MLC Ganesh Karnik who shared the stage with him to raise the issue in next assembly session.

Few places bordered to Kerala and Maharashtra went into those states. However, he stressed that he was keen in fighting for Kasargod to take it back in Karnataka as most of the people still communicate in Kannada. "When I went to Kasargod, I felt that the district should belong to Karnataka", he expressed.

Former MLC of the state Siddalingaiah advised the state government to look after the interests of Kannada people living in Kerala, Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu. He pointed that state government should look into the plight of Kannadigas living outside the state. "Karnataka should protect the interest of people dwelling in other states", he said.

Moreover, lauding cultural extravaganza, Alva's Nudisiri, he suggested Karnataka government emissaries to take a visit to the Nudisiri before they chose Rajyotsava award. He said Mohan Alva searched deserving literates to honour with Nudisiri award and the government has to take a cue from Mohan Alva.

He urged the government to grant added 5% reservation to those who get into inter-religious marriages in significant sectors like education. He expressed inter-religious marriages should be respected in the society.