Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru (MS)
Bengaluru, Jun 27: JD(S) leader and former chief minister H D Kumaraswamy on Sunday June 27 condemned the act of Kerala government which is mulling of changing the Kannada names of villages of Kasargod and Manjeshwar to Malayalam. Kumaraswamy’s statement comes after MP Pratap Simha objected the move of the Kerala government. In addition, pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj also expressed his rage against the Kerala government’s attitude.
In a series of tweets former CM Kumaraswamy said, "I am aware that the Kerala government is resorting to change the names in Kannada to Malayalam in the district of Kasargod. I would like to bring some points to the attention of the Kerala government. Kasargod is attached to Karnataka also. People of Karnataka have cultural interaction with people of Kasargod. It has remained as an emblem of cordial relations.
"In Kasargod, Kannada and Malayalam speaking people are in equal numbers. They are living harmoniously. They never had any issue with regard to the languages they speak. It is necessary that we maintain the same in future also. Politics is being played with the sentiments of people in the name of language. There is a need to protect affinity towards language. So I feel that it is the responsibility of both the states to protect the traditions and sentiments of Kannadigas.
"The present Kannada names of villages of Kasargod are being changed to Malayalam. But it seems that the meaning remains the same. Their original Kannada name should be kept as such. I request the Kerala government to consider this through this tweet," Kumaraswamy urged.
In Mysuru, pro-Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj also expressed rage against the changing of names of villages in Kasargod to Malayalam language. He said, "If the Kerala government changes the Kannada names of villages we will seal the Kerala border. We will not allow Keralites to enter Karnataka. Government has to take action immediately. Otherwise will resort to fierce protest. Karnataka government should discuss this matter with Kerala government. Otherwise we will close Kerala border."