Leader of Opposition Siddaramaiah on Saturday warned against imposition of Hindi.
Addressing a gathering, after presenting ‘Dr Hamana award’, at a programme organised at Karnataka Sangha here, Siddaramaiah said, “First, we are Kannadigas and next Indians. Kannada is the sovereign language of Karnataka. There would be bloodshed if Hindi is imposed in Karnataka.”
“Hindi is the language of nearly five states of North India. How is it the national language? Hindi will never be the national language. In Karnataka, Kannada is the sovereign language,” he said.
Later, speaking to reporters, Siddaramaiah asked, “Where did I claim to organise AHINDA convention? I am in favour of AHINDA as it needs justice.”
When asked about Congress leader Mallikarjuna Kharge’s statements that he does not know AHINDA, Siddaramaiah said that it is his personal view. “He has never conducted an AHINDA convention. Thus, he might have issued such a statement,” he said.
Siddaramaiah said, “BJP MLC A H Vishwanath, who has been criticising me, is not a serious politician. I will not speak about him often. Vishwanath is afraid of me. Thus, he makes statements against me.”
Siddaramaiah said that he has no expectations from the state Budget. “The government has no funds. The treasury is empty. The government has taken Rs 35,000 crore loan. The fuel prices are increasing due to increased excise duty,” he said.