On the occasion of Karnataka's foundation day (Rajyotsava Day), Chief Minister Siddaramaiah launched a scathing attack on the central government in the state capital, accusing it of both neglecting the Kannada language and imposing Hindi.
The Chief Minister asserted that the federal government was treating Karnataka in a "step-motherly" fashion. He charged that while the state contributes a significant ₹4.5 lakh crore in revenue to the Centre, it is then denied its fair share, receiving only a "paltry amount" in return.
Siddaramaiah maintained that an injustice was being committed against the Kannada language. "There are continuous attempts to impose Hindi. Grants are being given for the development of Hindi and Sanskrit while other languages of the country are being neglected," he claimed. Moreover, the chief minister alleged that the state of Karnataka was being denied crucial development funds and that insufficient fund was allocated for the growth of the classical Kannada language.
He issued a rallying cry to the state's residents, urging them to "oppose all those who are anti-Kannada."
Underlining the necessity of promoting Kannada language and culture, the Chief Minister pointed out that the neglect of Kannada in the education system has led to significant problems. He drew a parallel with other developed nations where children can "think, learn and dream in their mother tongue," noting that the situation in Karnataka was the opposite, with English and Hindi "weakening the talent of our children."
He concluded by stressing the need for legislation to mandate the mother tongue as the medium of instruction and urged the Centre to take heed of this imperative.
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