A special meeting convened by the Kodagu Gowda Samaja Federation decided to launch a campaign against the demands being raised by a Kodava organisation, including a separate Codavaland and Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Kodavas, stating that these demands could create apprehension among the indigenous communities and have adverse consequences.
The meeting was held under the chairmanship of Federation President Ananda Karandlaje, at Madikeri. During the meeting, awareness was created about the issue, and a PowerPoint presentation was made on the possible adverse impact on the Arebhashe Gowda community of the demands being placed before the court by a Kodava organisation.
Federation Vice-President Tennana Rajesh said that demands including Codavaland and ST status for Kodavas could have an impact not only on the Arebhashe Gowda community but also on other communities. He stressed the need for a legal battle against the demands.
Federation President Ananda Karandlaje said that a Kodava organisation had approached the court with its demands. He called on members of the Gowda community to join the effort to prevent this from succeeding. He said the Gowda community had lived harmoniously with all other communities. However, some people were attempting to disturb this atmosphere of harmony. He said the community should come forward to pursue a legal battle against issues that could adversely affect its interests.
It has become necessary to oppose such demands. If political representation is provided exclusively to one community, it could lead to that community gaining political dominance. Therefore, such matters need to be challenged through the courts, he said.
He clarified that the Arebhashe Gowda community has no hatred or animosity towards any community. The present struggle is being undertaken with the objective of protecting the rights, existence and future interests of their community, he said.
Advocate Kudekallu Vidyadhara (Vidyadhara Gowda K.R.) said that the Gowda community had played a major role in the freedom struggle. The concerned authorities have reportedly submitted a report to the government stating that such status cannot be granted to the Kodavas under the prescribed criteria. Despite this, the demand is being pursued. He said there was a need to oppose the petitions filed by a Kodava organisation before the court and appealed to members of the community to extend financial support for the legal battle.
Retired principal Kuyyamudi Ashwin Kumar spoke about the advantages and disadvantages of the Kasturirangan report.
Meanwhile, steps were taken to mobilise the financial resources required for the legal battle. A cheque for ₹1 lakh was handed over by the Kodagu Gowda Samaja, Bengaluru.
Former MLA K.G. Bopaiah, Bengaluru Kodagu Gowda Samaja President Manojkumar Aiyattira, Madikeri Gowda Samaja President Dambekodi Ananda, Kudupaji Mohan, Federation secretary Periyana Udaya, Ambekallu Naveen and others were present at the meeting.
Dr. Manthar Gowda felicitated
On the occasion, Madikeri MLA Dr. Mantar Gowda was felicitated in recognition of the support he has been extending towards the welfare and development of the community.
Accepting the felicitation, the MLA said that responding to the concerns of the people was his responsibility as an elected representative and that there was no need to felicitate him for this.
He said politics was practised only during elections and that, beyond that, he would always stand with the people on matters concerning development.
The MLA further said that the issue concerning the Arebhashe Development Corporation had been brought to the attention of the Chief Minister and that a positive response had been received.
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