Karnataka governor rejects Kannada signboard ordinance

The Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has sent back an ordinance mandating 60 per cent use of Kannada in signboards of businesses and establishments, to the state government. The Karnataka Cabinet had on January 5, given its approval to an ordinance to amend the Kannada Language Comprehensive Development Act that mandates 60 per cent use of the state’s language in signages."We (the government) approved an ordinance on signboards. The Governor has sent it back saying it should be passed in the Assembly. He could have given his assent now. Giving protection and respect to Kannada is our government's commitment," Shivakumar said.

#WATCH | On Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot rejecting ordinance on 60% signage in Kannada, Karnataka Deputy CM DK Shivakumar says, "It is very unfortunate. The Governor shouldn't have rejected it. It is a state issue. It is the honour of Karnataka. I request the Governor to… pic.twitter.com/kmMZXstOco

— ANI (@ANI) January 31, 2024

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In Karnataka,Congress is likely to field three candidates and BJP one from in the Rajya Sabha election slated for Feb 27.JD(S), led by former PM HD Deve Gowda, faces a significant setback due to insufficient numbers following its drubbing in last year’s assembly polls. It has just 19 MLAs and this will impact its negotiation power with BJP.With a strength of 137 members, including two independents, in the assembly, the ruling Congress is poised to secure three seats. It needs only 45 votes per candidate to ensure their victory. The BJP-JD(S) alliance, with a combined strength of 85, can be guaranteed one seat, although the potential for results to shift is high, especially with cross-voting being a pattern in previous Rajya Sabha elections.
The term of four members, including Union minister Rajeev Chandrashekhar and Congress members GC Chandrashekhar, L Hanumanthaiah, and Syed Nasir Hussain ends on April 2.BJP is expected to field Rajeev Chandrashekhar, who is minister of state for entrepreneurship, skill development, electronics, technology, and Jal Shakti. Congress is contemplating a second tenure for Hussain and GC Chandrashekhar, with the high command possibly suggesting a candidate for the third seat.

(Dr Mysi Pati, State Correspondent)