BENGLAURU: Deputy Chief Minister and State Congress chief D K Shivakumar said that everyone has a right to protest in a democracy, but taking law into one’s own hands can’t be tolerated. His statement came after pro-Kannada protesters went on a rampage in Bengaluru on Wednesday.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Shivakumar said, “In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest. We can’t tolerate anyone taking the law into their hands. I am disturbed that they (pro-Kannada protesters) vandalised boards and establishments etc.”
The protesters can stage protests and raise slogans but damaging property is not acceptable, the Congress leader asserted. He also urged the businesses to obey the government’s order of displaying 60 per cent Kannada on their signboards. “We are committed to protecting the citizens of the state”, he added.
Shivakumar also said that all shops should follow the recent BBMP order, where the civic body directed the shops to prioritize Kannada on signage boards.
#WATCH | Karnataka Deputy CM & State Congress chief DK Shivakumar says, "In a democracy, everyone has the right to protest. We can't tolerate anyone taking the law into their hands. I am disturbed that they (pro-Kannada protesters) vandalised boards & establishments etc. Please… pic.twitter.com/P6JtHTsXmg
— ANI (@ANI) December 28, 2023
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is holding a high-level meeting over the forced installation of Kannada signboards at shops and offices. Officials of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP), the primary civic body in the city, and the state Culture Department are participating in the meeting, according to sources.
Earlier, on Wednesday, the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI) expressed concern over the BBMP (Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike) directions for inscribing ’60 per cent Kannada’ letters on all name boards for commercial establishments.
The FKCCI, while reiterating that it will always follow the rules of the government, stated that it will also instruct its members to adhere to the orders of the state or BBMP. However, the FKCCI also urged the state government not to initiate any action under the above rule until the deadline of February 28, next year. (ANI)