No leader can replace Siddaramaiah now: Vatal Nagaraj
Mangaluru
Kannada activist and former MLA Vatal Nagaraj has strongly defended Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, warning that any attempt to replace him would be “playing with fire” and could spark statewide unrest. Speaking to reporters in Mangaluru on Sunday, Nagaraj asserted that no current political party in Karnataka, including Congress, BJP, or JD(S), has a leader capable of filling Siddaramaiah’s role. Praising the CM’s leadership, he highlighted Siddaramaiah’s over seven years of efficient governance, his innovative ideas, and administrative capabilities, emphasizing that his removal is unnecessary and could lead to widespread protests, with thousands willing to risk imprisonment.
On the prospect of a Dalit chief minister, Nagaraj suggested it could be considered only after Siddaramaiah completes his tenure, noting the CM’s extensive experience, including presenting the state budget 13–14 times and serving as Deputy Chief Minister, which strengthens the Congress and lends respect to the office.
Nagaraj also announced that Kannada organisations will convene a convention in Bengaluru in the second week of December, followed by highway protests on Gundlupet–Wayanad and Mangaluru–Kasaragod routes to oppose the “imposition of Malayalam” in Kerala’s Kasaragod district. He alleged that Malayalam-speaking teachers in Kannada-medium schools and prioritization of Malayalam are weakening Kannada language and culture.
Expressing concern over outsiders occupying key positions, especially in the IT-BT sector, Nagaraj urged the government to implement job reservations for locals per the Sarojini Mahishi Report. He emphasized that Karnataka must seriously reconsider its approach to Kasaragod to preserve local language, culture, and employment opportunities for Kannadigas.
