Ananth Kumar hits out at Champa for promoting ‘pseudo-secularism’

Sammelan president defends stand, saying literature and social concerns are inseparable

Curtains down: (Clockwise from top left) Union Minister Ananth Kumar at the valedictory function of the 83rd Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana; people gather at the venue on the last day of the event; and visitors take a selfie with writer Jayanth Kaikini, in Mysuru on Sunday.

Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Ananth Kumar on Sunday decried what he called use of the 83rd Kannada Sahitya Sammelana platform for “political gains and for promoting pseudo-secularism.”

This comment came in the backdrop of sammelan president Chandrashekhar Patil, in his inaugural address on Friday, asking people to vote for a “secular national party with a regional agenda” in the ensuing Assembly elections.

Participating in the valedictory function of the sammelan, Mr. Ananth Kumar said the platform meant for discussing issues pertaining to land, language and culture should not have been “misused” for setting political agenda and promoting “pseudo secularism”.

Mysuru Karnataka: 26-11-2017: Curtains came down on the 83rd Akhila Bharatha Kannada Sahitya Sammelana in Mysuru on Sundayand saw a surge in footfall to the main venue. PHOTO: M.A.SRIRAM

 

He added that Kannada is above politics. “This would send a wrong signal to Kannadigas both in the country and abroad, who are watching the proceedings of the event,” he said. Taking exception to organisers of the sammelan not inviting members of the erstwhile royal family, he said it amounted to showing “disrespect” to the Wadiyars who are instrumental in founding the Kannada Sahitya Parishat and promoting Kannada.

However, earlier in the day, Prof. Patil strongly defended his stand that literature and social concerns are inseparable. He said that “secularism is the inevitable need of the present situation.”

Participating in a session with over 20 experts from various fields on Sunday, he said: “Of late, plurality, which is the essential character of the country, is being threatened. If you need to address this issue, secularism is the only way ahead.” Referring to protests opposing his support for a secular party, he maintained that his commitment to secular, democratic and socialist values are transparent and he would not compromise on that. “I have not asked people to support any particular party. I have only asked them to support a party which believes in secular, democratic values. I did that to protect the values enshrined in the Constitution. It is the duty and responsibility of everyone who believe in it,” he said.

On whether it was right on his part to make a political statement on the sammelan platform, Prof. Patil said: “It is the platform to discuss all issues concerning society. Since secular, democratic and federal values are threatened today, it will have a cascading effect on the lives of people.”