Kodagu
The demand for a separate Lok Sabha and Assembly constituency for the Kodava community has gained momentum with the launch of a new campaign by the Coorg National Council (CNC), according to a report.
The CNC has initiated an organised agitation calling for political representation exclusively for Kodavas, arguing that the community’s cultural identity, demographic concerns, and regional issues require dedicated representation in Parliament and the state legislature. The campaign is expected to intensify with a planned 48-hour programme starting May 12.
Leaders of the organisation said that Kodavas, an indigenous community of Kodagu district in Karnataka, have long sought constitutional and political safeguards to preserve their traditions, language, and land rights. They claimed that current electoral boundaries dilute their representation, making it difficult to address community-specific concerns effectively.
As part of the campaign, the CNC is expected to hold awareness drives, meetings, and mobilisation programmes across Kodagu district. Supporters of the demand argue that a separate constituency would ensure focused development, better protection of cultural heritage, and stronger political voice for the community.
The organisation has also appealed to both state and central governments to consider their long-pending demand seriously. It stated that democratic representation should reflect the unique identity and needs of smaller indigenous groups.
However, the proposal is likely to face constitutional and administrative challenges, as delimitation of constituencies is governed by national frameworks. Despite this, CNC leaders said they will continue their democratic struggle through peaceful means.
The campaign has sparked discussion in Kodagu, with opinions divided among political observers and local residents over its feasibility and implications for regional representation.
