Kannadigas are not safe in B’gavi: HDK

Mysuru: Union minister HD Kumaraswamy raised concern over the increasing attacks on Kannadigas in Belagavi and Maharashtra, and urged the state govt to look into the issue. Criticising the govt, the minister said that Kannadigas are not safe in Belagavi. "Who is this govt protecting? A minister even gave a speech in Marathi," he accused. "In 2006-07, when I was the chief minister, a delegation met the then PM, Manmohan Singh to discuss Maharashtra's attempts to annex Belagavi. I ensured that did not happen. Instead, I made Belagavi the state's second capital, and laid the foundation stone for Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. The situation in Belagavi has turned chaotic under this govt," he said angrily.
Meanwhile, BJP state president BY Vijayendra criticised the state govt over its handling of assaults on Kannadigas in Belagavi. "We will not politicise the matter. But the govt must protect Kannadigas, and take stern action against the miscreants," he said.
Krishnaraja MLA TS Srivathsa and former MLA N Mahesh urged the state govt to ensure safety of Kannadigas in the district.