KRV Chief Demands Withdrawal of Urdu Habba Plan at Vidhana Soudha
Karnataka Rakshana Vedike chief Narayana Gowda demands the state government withdraw the plan to host Urdu Habba at Vidhana Soudha.
The Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) has launched a fierce protest against the state government's decision to host an Urdu Habba (Urdu Festival) at the steps of the Vidhana Soudha. KRV state president TA Narayana Gowda has issued a stern warning, urging the administration to cancel the event scheduled for November 9 to prevent social unrest.
"Unwise and Arrogant Move," Says Narayana Gowda
Taking to social media, Narayana Gowda slammed the government's decision, describing it as an immature and arrogant step that threatens the peace and harmony of the state. He questioned the logic behind choosing the state's seat of power for such a linguistic celebration.
"This is a plot to pit Urdu speakers against Kannadigas," Gowda remarked, expressing concern that the move could trigger communal tensions. He further suggested that such events could lead to a slippery slope, where various other languages might eventually demand similar platforms at the Vidhana Soudha, potentially undermining the prominence of the Kannada language.
While clarifying that the organization is not against any language, Gowda emphasized that there are numerous other venues in Bengaluru suitable for the festival. He insisted that the Vidhana Soudha should not be used for such purposes and warned that the government would face consequences if it proceeds stubbornly.
The Government's Vision for Urdu Habba
The controversy erupted following an announcement by Karnataka Health and Family Welfare Minister UT Khader. The minister stated that the first-ever Urdu Habba is intended to celebrate Urdu Day by showcasing the language's rich literary, cultural, and artistic heritage to all communities in Karnataka.
The planned festivities are set to include:
- A grand Mushaira (poetry symposium)
- A book fair
- A food festival
- Cultural programmes
- An annual award ceremony
Minister Khader highlighted that the goal is to create a collective cultural platform and introduce Urdu poetry, music, and prose to the wider population of the state.
Political Opposition Mounts
The decision has not only drawn ire from KRV but has also faced criticism from political opponents. BJP MLA S Suresh Kumar voiced his objections regarding the choice of venue, questioning whether the Vidhana Soudha has been utilized in a similar manner for large-scale programmes dedicated to Kannada language and literature.