The Valleydew Kodava Cultural Association has expressed disappointment over the State Government’s recent Cabinet reshuffle, alleging that Kodagu district has been unfairly denied representation in the Council of Ministers.
Association President Hanchettira Manu Muddappa stated that had both Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna and Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda been inducted into the Cabinet, it would have significantly contributed to the overall development of Kodagu district.
In a press release, Manu Muddappa said that denying a ministerial berth to A.S. Ponnanna amounted to an injustice not only to the Kodava community but also to the people of Kodagu district. He noted that Ponnanna, an experienced politician who had earlier served as the Chief Minister’s Legal Adviser, was widely expected to be inducted into the Cabinet. He further alleged that appointing Ponnanna as the Deputy Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative
Assembly appeared to be an attempt to placate the Kodava community. However, he argued that the post would not directly benefit either the Kodava community or the development of Kodagu district and could also weaken the party organisation in the region.
Manu Muddappa stated that there had been widespread expectations that the Kodava community, being a small and sensitive community, would receive appropriate representation in the State Cabinet. The denial of a ministerial berth to Ponnanna, he said, had disappointed not only the Kodava community but the entire district.
He pointed out that the Congress currently represents both Assembly constituencies in Kodagu, thereby strengthening the party’s presence in the district. He also praised Dr. Mantar Gowda, describing him as a people-friendly leader who has earned public goodwill through developmental initiatives and possesses considerable political ability.
According to him, if both MLAs from Kodagu had been inducted into the Cabinet, developmental activities in the district would have gained momentum while simultaneously strengthening the party organisation.
Manu Muddappa appealed to the Chief Minister to show consideration towards Cauvery Nadu and Kodagu by providing the district with adequate ministerial representation in the interest of its comprehensive development.
