Kannada Sahitya Parishad President Siddhanna Meti.
VASCO
Kannadiga organisations on Monday evening strongly condemned the Revolutionary Goans Party (RGP) for what they termed as its “anti-migrant and divisive” stance, urging the party to stop addressing Kannadigas in Goa as “Ghanti”.
Speaking during the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations held at Sancoale in the presence of Basangouda Patil Yatnal and other dignitaries, Kannada Sahitya Parishad President Siddhanna Meti said the Kannadiga community has been an integral part of Goa’s social fabric and has contributed to its progress for decades.
“RGP must stop addressing us as ‘Ghanti’ because we are like brothers and sisters, though we may have our roots in neighbouring states. I am 53 years old, born here, educated here, and working here — so why should we still be labelled as ‘Ghantis’? Our lifestyles and outlook have evolved; we are on par with Goans in every way,” Meti said.
Meti further stressed that the community has grown beyond the stereotypes associated with the past.
“We are not the same old people cleaning gutters. We work hard for our livelihoods like everyone else. The Indian Constitution gives every citizen the right to live and work anywhere in the country. Has the RGP forgotten that very Constitution which enabled them to become MLAs, and possibly even ministers or chief minister someday?” he remarked.
Meti said that the community feels insulted by the derogatory term but continues to show restraint.
“We feel ashamed to even take the names of some RGP leaders, yet we do not retaliate because we see them as fellow Indians. But RGP should not mistake our silence for weakness,” he added.
The Kannada Sahitya Parishad President also questioned why RGP was targeting small-time vendors instead of raising its voice against wealthy outsiders who have purchased large tracts of Goan land.
“RGP is constantly attacking small people — vendors selling fish, flowers or vegetables — but has never spoken against the rich North Indians who have bought huge parcels of land and destroyed Goa’s identity,” Meti said.
Challenging RGP to act on major land deals, he said, “Where was RGP when Zuari company sold lands at Rs 2 lakh per square metre to Delhi builders? Why this silence? If they really want to defend Goa, they should go after the big players, not poor families earning their daily bread.”
Electoral strength
Reiterating the community’s contribution to Goa’s political system, Meti pointed out that several Kannadigas have been democratically elected at the panchayat level.
“We recently got our member, Anusha Lamani, elected as the Sancoale sarpanch, but instead of appreciating her, some people mocked her surname and even called Lamanis criminals. Such behaviour is disgraceful. No one has the right to insult elected representatives by calling them names,” he said.
Highlighting the electoral strength of the Kannadiga community in Goa, Meti urged political parties, including RGP, to work with the community rather than alienate it.
“Every constituency in Goa has around 5,000 voters from our community. We have supported many MLAs and ministers who are in power today. We now have our sarpanch and tomorrow we may have a ZP member or even an MLA. Support us, and we will support you in the elections,” he said.
Calling for harmony and mutual respect, Meti concluded, “Let us live in unity and cordiality. We are Indians first, and there is no need to divide people by calling anyone ‘Ghanti’. We urge all political parties to recognise our contribution and stand with us in building a stronger, inclusive Goa.”
