Kannada activists have urged the state government to release ₹2 crore for the grand celebration of Kannada Rajyotsava in Belagavi, which draws over six lakh participants annually. The matter was discussed at a preliminary meeting held at the Zilla Panchayat (ZP) hall. Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Roshan stated that a proposal seeking ₹2 crore would be sent to the government to ensure a grand observance of the event on November 1.
Presiding over the meeting, Roshan instructed officials to make all necessary arrangements for the celebration, including felicitating Kannada activists and achievers. He said separate committees would be formed for the purpose. He also directed that a gallery be set up for the public attending the Rajyotsava procession and that portraits of Kannada luminaries be displayed along the procession route.
Activist Ananthakumar Bakod demanded additional funds, expressing disappointment over the absence of ministers and public representatives at the meeting. Pro-Kannada activist Srinivas Talukar proposed that 60% of nameplates in Belagavi’s roadmap be in Kannada and suggested installing a 108-foot Bhuvaneshwari statue near Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. He also proposed that the morning procession’s art performances be showcased again in the evening at Channamma Circle.
Superintendent of Police Dr. Bhimashankar Guled suggested replacing Western DJ music with traditional Karnataka instruments during the festivities. However, some organisations opposed the move, arguing that DJs attract more crowds. Karnataka Rakshana Vedike members Deepak Gudaganatti and Suresh Gavanvar maintained that Belagavi’s Rajyotsava has a rich history unrelated to DJs.
City Police Commissioner Bhushan Borase instructed organisers to submit details on the number of stages required within 10 days. Activist Mahadev Talwar requested that major city circles be illuminated, to which DC Roshan assured efforts to decorate the roads and junctions. ZP CEO Rahul Shinde, ADC Vijayakumar Honakeri, and Kannada & Culture Department Deputy Director Vidyavathi Bhajantri also attended the meeting.
