Protest in Channapatna demanding dismissal of Kannada Sahitya Parishat President

Channapatna: Members of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat Lifetime Members’ Federation, along with farmers’ and civil society organizations, held a protest on Tuesday demanding the removal of Mahesh Joshi, president of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat, citing allegations of misuse of power, corruption, and irregularities in bylaw amendments.

The protest began at Gandhi Bhavan premises, followed by the formation of a human chain near the police station circle, with slogans like “Suspend Mahesh Joshi, Save the Parishat.” The rally continued along the Bengaluru–Mysuru highway, culminating in a dharna outside the taluk office.

Prof. B. Jayaprakash Gowda, president of Karnataka Sangha Mandya unit, accused Joshi of autocratic leadership, tarnishing the Parishat’s dignity, and financial mismanagement, especially regarding the recent Mandya Sahitya Sammelana accounts.

Folk scholar Dr. Chakkere Shivashankar criticized Joshi for lacking literary and cultural knowledge, threatening critics, and revoking memberships improperly. He demanded the government suspend Joshi immediately.

The protesters submitted a memorandum to the state government through Tehsildar Narasimhappa.

Notable participants included journalist Su.Ta. Ramegowda, Anigere Mallayya, C.K. Ramegowda, K.N. Lingegowda, Ramesh Gowda, Nagavara Shambhugowda, Vasanth Kumar, Dharanesh Rampura, M. Shivamadu, Matteekere Chaluvuraju, M.C. Mallayya, Kumar, Savithramma, and others.