Thu Dec 11 13:00:08 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and news article based on the text:
Summary:
The Karnataka government has announced plans to install a statue of 12th-century poet-reformer Ambigara Chowdaiah. The decision came after pressure from members of the Legislative Council who argued that the government has prioritized statues of figures from dominant castes over those from Backward Classes. While the Minister for Kannada and Culture committed to the project, he did not provide a specific timeline.
News Article:
Karnataka to Erect Statue of 12th-Century Poet-Reformer Ambigara Chowdaiah
Belagavi, Karnataka – December 11, 2025 – The Karnataka government has pledged to install a statue of Ambigara Chowdaiah, a prominent 12th-century poet-reformer. The announcement was made by Minister for Kannada and Culture Shivaraj Tangadagi in response to concerns raised in the Legislative Council regarding the representation of Backward Class figures in public monuments.
During a session in Belagavi on Thursday, several members, including Thippannappa Kamakanur, voiced their discontent over the perceived delay in honoring Ambigara Chowdaiah. They argued that while land has been allocated for statues of social reformers from dominant castes, figures from Backward Classes have been overlooked. Kamakanur even threatened a walk-out in protest.
Minister Tangadagi stated that the statue would be placed at a suitable location, potentially including the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru or the Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi. However, he stopped short of providing a concrete timeline for the project, drawing further objections from council members like N. Ravi Kumar, H. Vishwanath, and Talawar Sabanna.
The decision comes amid ongoing discussions in Karnataka about representation and historical recognition of various social groups. The installation of Ambigara Chowdaiah’s statue is seen by some as a step towards addressing these concerns and ensuring a more inclusive commemoration of the state’s diverse cultural heritage.
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