War of words between BJP and Karnataka minister over Urdu advertisement
Bengaluru (PTI): The ruling Congress and the opposition BJP on Wednesday engaged in a war of words over an Urdu advertisement published in an Urdu daily regarding a Health Department programme.
The Karnataka government today launched the "Kusuma Sanjeevini" programme of "prophylactic treatment" for haemophilia patients and free ambulance services.
Advertisements for the event were published in various publications, including some Urdu dailies published from Karnataka.
The advertisement in Urdu dailies were in Urdu language, which has become a bone of contention.
The BJP accused the Congress government of neglecting Kannada and indulging in appeasement politics by allegedly issuing an official invitation in Urdu, while Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao hit back, stating that it was only a newspaper advertisement meant to reach Urdu readers.
"For the sake of appeasement politics, the anti-Kannada, anti-State Congress government is even neglecting Kannada!" the BJP said in a post on 'X', substantiating its charge that the invitation for launching preventive treatment and ambulance services had been published entirely in Urdu.
The BJP further questioned the government, stating, "CM Siddaramaiah, DCM D K Shivakumar - is the administrative language of Karnataka Kannada or Urdu?" It also targeted the health minister, asking, "Who gave you the authority to issue an official government invitation in Urdu just because you speak Urdu at home?"
The party told Rao, "Speak Urdu in your home if you wish, but remember that Kannada is the administrative language of Karnataka."
The 'speak Urdu' jibe was apparently aimed at Rao's wife Tabassum who is a Muslim and is often targeted by the BJP leaders for her faith.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters in Mangaluru, the CM said when the BJP was in power, they did nothing. When they are in the Opposition, they have made it a habit to protest.
"When giving advertisements, shouldn't we give them to Urdu newspapers as well?" Siddaramaiah sought to know.
Responding sharply to the charges, Rao accused the BJP of misleading the public.
"Have BJP leaders become so intellectually bankrupt that they cannot distinguish between an official invitation and a newspaper advertisement? Or are they determined to mislead the public at any cost?" he posted on 'X.'
He defended the department's action, stating, "There was no official invitation issued in Urdu here. Publishing advertisements in the language of a particular newspaper to ensure information reaches its readers is a routine administrative practice."
The minister also countered the BJP by referring to past governments.
"When B S Yediyurappa and Basavaraj Bommai were in power, were advertisements not published in Urdu newspapers? By your own logic, does that mean all BJP leaders who issued advertisements in Urdu back then were 'anti-national'," he asked.
Extending a conciliatory note amid the political sparring, he said, "Since you are showing such excessive curiosity about the language spoken in our homes, I extend a cordial invitation - please visit our home. We would be happy to host you."
The minister also shared a series of advertisements in Urdu published by the BJP when it was in power in the state.
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Bearys education announces ‘campus connect & talent hunt 2026,' offers up to 100% scholarships
Mangaluru: Bearys Education has announced the launch of its “Campus Connect & Talent Hunt 2026,” scheduled to be held on April 11 at the Bearys Knowledge Campus near Mangalore University in Innoli.
The initiative, aimed at promoting academic excellence and student empowerment, will offer scholarships of up to 100 percent on tuition fees for meritorious candidates.
The programme seeks to identify and support students aspiring to pursue Pre-University Course (PUC), degree, engineering and architecture programmes.
The event is open to students from SSLC (Class 10), PUC (Class 12), Diploma and ITI streams, along with their parents. Organisers said the day-long programme will focus on guidance, engagement and opportunities for students planning their academic future.
A Talent Hunt Examination will be conducted on April 11 at 9.30 am, with eligibility extended to students completing SSLC and PUC in 2026. Based on their performance, candidates will be considered for scholarships of up to 100 per cent.
The event will also feature a career guidance and counselling session led by Ameen-E-Mudassar, CEO of CIGMA. In addition, a technical and science expo showcasing student-led innovations, along with a food festival, will be organised as part of the programme.
Organisers stated that the initiative reflects the institution’s focus on quality education, personality development and integrity, while marking over 120 years of educational service.
Interested participants can register before April 8 by scanning the QR code provided in the official announcement (provided below) or by contacting 89704 96949, 81239 04351, or 99000 66888.
