Bengaluru : Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has effectively ended the controversy surrounding a proposed Urdu festival, confirming that the state government will not permit the event to be held on the steps of the Vidhana Soudha. The announcement follows significant backlash from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and various pro-Kannada organisations, who had voiced strong objections to the venue choice.
Addressing the media on Thursday, Shivakumar maintained a firm stance on the use of the state’s legislative building. He stated that there is no provision for hosting non-governmental programmes on the grand steps of the Vidhana Soudha, effectively shutting down the proposal before it could gain further traction.
Minister Khader Signals Willingness to Abandon Proposal:
The proposal for the event, which was scheduled for November 9 to coincide with Urdu Day, had been championed by Minister for Haj and Waqf, UT Khader. Following the Deputy Chief Minister’s intervention, Khader indicated a willingness to step back from the plan, emphasising that the initiative was not a matter of personal prestige.
Khader explained that his original intention was to elevate the annual Urdu Sahitya award ceremony, which is traditionally held in a closed hall, by moving it to an open-air setting. He maintained that the goal was to foster a better understanding of the language and culture, rather than to serve any specific community. He noted that the Urdu-speaking community itself had not been exposed to such large-scale public events previously.
Addressing Public and Political Opposition:
In response to the criticism from political rivals and cultural groups, Khader stated that the government would consult with those who opposed the plan. He reiterated that the administration’s primary focus remains on the development of Karnataka and the unity of the country, rather than creating friction.
Addressing the accusations of political appeasement, the minister remarked that his actions are often mischaracterised by opponents regardless of their intent. He concluded by assuring the public that the government would not pursue any programme that could lead to social unrest or public inconvenience, stating clearly that he would not be adamant about the venue if it caused widespread disagreement.
