Federation of Kodava Samajas President Kallichanda Vishnu Cariappa has appealed to the leadership of the Congress party to include Virajpet MLA Ajjikuttira S. Ponnanna in the State Cabinet and allocate him a ministerial portfolio. In a press release issued here, Vishnu Cariappa stated that A.S. Ponnanna is a secular and non-partisan leader whose contributions extend beyond Kodagu district. He said that granting him a ministerial berth would not only benefit Kodagu but would also contribute positively to the development of Karnataka as a whole.
He noted that, as the MLA representing Virajpet constituency, Ponnanna has worked for the welfare and development of the region without discrimination and has maintained cordial relations with people from all sections of society.
According to Vishnu Cariappa, Ponnanna has been closely associated with the functioning of the government for the past decade and has efficiently discharged his responsibilities as Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister.
He further stated that Ponnanna enjoys the confidence of Cabinet colleagues and has earned appreciation from the party high command for his effective and dedicated service. Significant developmental works have also been undertaken in Kodagu under his leadership and guidance, he added.
Vishnu Cariappa pointed out that after leaders such as M.C. Nanaiah, M.A. Nanaiah and M.P. Appachu Ranjan, no representative from the Kodava community has been given a ministerial berth. He therefore appealed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to take steps to ensure representation for the Kodava community in the State Cabinet.
He said that appointing A.S. Ponnanna as a minister would benefit not only the Kodava community but the entire district of Kodagu. Karnataka would also gain the services of a capable and experienced leader, he added. Referring to Ponnanna’s successful tenure as Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister, Vishnu Cariappa urged the government to consider entrusting him with the Law portfolio.
