Chief minister BS Yediyurappa has made an apology to the Kuruba community for controversial remarks allegedly made by cabinet colleague and law and parliamentary affairs minister JC Madhuswamy. The community is miffed with Madhuswamy for reportedly trying to rename Kanakadasa Circle in Huliyar, Chikkanayakanahalli, the minister’s constituency in Tumakuru district, after late Shivakumar Swami of Siddaganga Mutt. Kanakadasa, a 15th century saint and philosopher, is revered by the Kuruba community. a video of Madhuswamy abusing Sri Eshwarananda Puri Swami of Hosadurga Mutt, a prominent religious leader of the community, at a recent meeting further angered the community. The video was widely shared on social media platforms. The hashtag #removefromcabinetjcmadhuswamy trended, with furious netizens threatening to launch a state-wide protest against the minister.
Seeking to put an end to the controversy — the Congress and JD(S) are planning to make it an issue in the bypolls — Yediyurappa not only apologised to the community, but also promised to retain Kanakadasa’s name for the circle.
“I have great respect for saint Kanakadas,” Yediyurappa said. “What happened in Chikkanayakanahalli is unfortunate and I regret it. I apologize to the Kuruba community. Let us not drag it further.”
CM Yediyurappa Apologies To Kuruba Community
