The Karnataka Chief Minister’s Office issued a statement on Thursday denying any permission for a private Urdu Day event on the grand steps of Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.
According to the clarification, no non‑government programme, including the proposed Urdu Habba slated for 9 November, has been sanctioned for the historic venue. The office dismissed media reports that suggested a private gathering would be held on the iconic steps, calling them completely false.
The controversy erupted after reports surfaced that the state government intended to host an Urdu festival on the Vidhana Soudha steps. Bharatiya Janata Party leaders, notably state president B.Y. Vijayendra, criticised the plan as a political move to appease minorities and argued that Kannada, Karnataka’s official language, should receive prominence at the landmark.
Health, Family Welfare, Waqf and Minority Affairs Minister U.T. Khader had earlier announced the intention to organise the first ever Urdu Habba on 9 November 2026, describing it as a showcase of Urdu language, literature, cuisine and art. He also said the government would seek public opinion and adjust plans accordingly.
Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara said the matter had not reached his desk and he possessed no information about any programme. Meanwhile, the CMO’s latest statement reiterates that no approval has been granted for any event on the Vidhana Soudha steps, aiming to dispel the notion of a private celebration at the government building.
The clarification arrives as the BJP continues to question the choice of venue, labeling Vidhana Soudha a symbol of Kannada identity and demanding equal visibility for the state language in such cultural initiatives.
Image: mangalorean.com
📰 Source: Mangalorean News