CM asks Vokkaligas to approach Centre

BANGALORE: Chief Minister D V Sadananda Gowda urged the Kunchitiga Vokkaligas to take up their demand for being included in the 2A category of backward classes with the Centre.While addressing the ‘Kunchitiga Maha sammelana- 2012’, he said, “If any leader in the society uses his power for selfish gain, then that society will see its end.A leader’s behaviour should set an example in the society. He should be termed a leader in all respects,” he added. He also said that Yettinahole project that aims to provide drinking water facility in Kolar, Chikballapur, Bangalore Rural, Tumkur and Ramangaram districts will be launched by July 15.Gowda added that the government will implement Netravati diversion project to provide irrigation and drinking water facilities for parched districts in the state without affecting Western Ghats.When peacemakers fought over casteThough the programme was organised to unite the community, it ended up displaying various differences.A verbal argument between two pontiffs present at the venue was witnessed.It all started with Nanjavadoota Swami of Pattanayankanahalli of Tumkur stating that Kunchitigas are a part of the Vokkaliga community.Any effort to separate it would be dealt with sternly, he added.This statement irked Shantaveera Swamiji who said that there was no such caste as Kunchitiga Vokkaligas.Nanjavadoota claimed that H D Deve Gowda had made the community proud by becoming the prime minister.Shantaveers Swamiji retaliated and said, “A few politicians are taking advantage of Vokkaligas and ignoring Kunchitigas.”He added that the two castes were different and should be included in the backward list separately.However, the police controlled the situation.