‘Vested interests trying to turn Kannada Sahitya Parishat into a political organisation’

Writers S.G. Siddaramaiah, Janagere Venkataramaiah and others speaking to reporters at the Kannada Sahitya Bhavan in Belagavi on November 4, 2026.

“Some vested interests are trying to turn the Kannada Sahitya Parishat (KSP) into a political organisation. It is the responsibility of every Kannadiga to fight against it and try to retain it as a non-political advocacy group that fights for the language and culture of the land,” former chairman of Kannada Development Authority S.G. Siddaramaiah said in Belagavi on November 4.

“KSP is a symbol of the cultural identity of the Kannada language, the Kannada people, and the state of Karnataka. It must function autonomously, free from the control of any political party or faction,” Professor Siddaramaiah told reporters after meeting writers and Kannada activists to campaign for Janagere Venkataramaiah , a candidate in the upcoming KSP election. He said that like-minded writers and activists had chosen Mr. Venkataramaiah as it was essential to preserve the Parishat’s core vision and dignity.

“Some developments over the past few decades had run counter to the KSP’s foundational objectives. This is a matter of grave concern over the increasing interference of political parties in the elections. Some parties have succeeded in taking over cultural institutions like the Mythic Society in Bengaluru. We should not let that happen with KSP,” he said.

“Mahesh Joshi, the outgoing president of KSP, has acted in a non-democratic manner. He has taken several decisions that were against the spirit of Kannada. He unilaterally amended the bylaws to extend the term of the president to six years and gave himself unhinged powers. He threatened the other office-bearers and district unit KSP presidents with legal challenges. He faces allegations of misusing around ₹8 crore of KSP funds. A case has been filed in a court. Mr. Joshi conducted meetings in a way that undermined democratic principles,” he said.

“Mr. Joshi removed a quote embodying adi kavi Pampa’s message of humanism from the Parishat premises, and relocated the statue of the founder Nalwadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar. These and other steps were an affront to the Kannada heritage. Mr. Joshi also took the help of a political party and some organisations in his elections. We have fought against all that,” he said.

Writer R.G. Halli Nagaraj said that KSP was set up by the Mysuru maharaja and others to help organise writers and intellectuals. “However, some retired officials are trying to take over the body as they consider it a post-retirement job. KSP has suffered in the hands of retired officials in the past. We do not want to see a repetition of those days. We want to retain KSP for writers and Kannada activists,” he said.

All the members recalled the agitations led by Mr. Venkataramaiah and his contribution to the field of literature.

Mr. Venkataramaiah said his primary objective is to preserve the dignity and autonomy of KSP.

“If elected, I will rectify the Parishat’s shortcomings, ensuring transparent administration, revive stalled action plans, and restart the publication of its official magazine, ‘Kannada Nudi’,’’ he said.

He assured that writers selected as president for conferences would not merely serve as ceremonial figureheads, but contribute their experience towards preservation of Kannada language and heritage. His other plans include organising training workshops for emerging writers, reprinting significant literary works, and encouraging literary activities by reducing rental costs for the Parishat’s auditoriums and stalls. He said the Parishat would take to the streets to raise its voice regarding the pressing issues facing the State. He vowed to recover all the funds that were misused by Mr. Joshi and his team of officer-bearers.

Writers D.S. Chougale, Sudha Patil, and Yallappa Himmadi were among those present.