PANAJI
Supreme Court lawyer Sandeep Patil has urged Kannadigas living in Goa to support the state on the Mhadei issue and called for stronger political representation for the Kannada community, including having its own MLA.
Patil was speaking as the chief guest at the Karnataka Rajyotsava celebrations organised by the Akhila Goa Kannada Mahasangh at Zuarinagar, Sancoale. Vasco MLA Krishna Daji Salkar, BJP Karnataka Cell convenor Murli Shetty and other dignitaries were present.
Addressing the gathering, Patil said Kannadigas living in Goa for several years should stand by the state on matters concerning its interests, including the Mhadei issue.
“It was made clear during the function that Kannadigas living in Goa would and should support Goa in its efforts on the Mhadei issue. The Kannada community has been living in Goa for several years and should stand by the state on matters concerning its interests,” Patil said.
He further said the time had come for a Kannadiga to emerge as a leader and represent the community at a higher level. He called upon the community to establish its leadership and ensure that its voice was heard on wider public and political platforms.
Meanwhile, Murli Shetty said Kannadigas who had settled in Goa and made the state their home over the years had always supported Goa. He said the community shared a long association with the state and had contributed to its social fabric.
Clarifying his own position, Shetty said he was merely a BJP karyakarta and had no political ambitions. He maintained that his role was that of a party worker and that he was not aspiring for any political position.
