D.K Shivakumar Calls Ponnanna, Manthar Gowda ‘Two Eyes of Kodagu’, at Kail Muhurtha Jambara 2026
Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Sunday described Virajpet MLA A.S. Ponnanna and Madikeri MLA Mantar Gowda as the “two eyes of Kodagu” and urged people of the district to support and strengthen the two young legislators.
Speaking at the Kail Muhurtha Jambara 2026 organised at the Kodagu Gowda Samaja Hall in Ullal, Bengaluru, Shivakumar said both MLAs were working actively and honestly and called upon the community to stand behind them.
“There are two MLAs here—Mantar and Ponnanna—who are like the two eyes of Kodagu district. Give them strength too. They are active, young and working with honesty. Some people feel envious of their growth. There is no cure for envy,” he said.
He urged the people to protect their voting rights and said supporting the two MLAs would also strengthen him.
“Therefore, you must protect these two MLAs. Protecting them is equivalent to protecting me and giving me strength. Protect your votes,” Shivakumar said.
He also assured the gathering that he would look into the demands submitted by representatives from Mysuru, stating that he had instructed Ponnanna and Mantar Gowda to place the land-related matter before the Cabinet.
Shivakumar highlighted Kodagu’s contribution to Karnataka’s history, describing the district as a region known for valour, culture and spirituality. He referred to the Cauvery as a lifeline for people downstream and said he had decided to organise the Cauvery Aarti every year, including during the Dasara celebrations.
Calling Kodagu the “Kashmir of Karnataka”, he urged people to preserve the district’s heritage while creating local economic opportunities.
The Chief Minister also called upon people from the Coastal and Malnad regions to stop migrating elsewhere in search of employment and instead establish businesses in their hometowns.
He said the State Government had formulated a special tourism policy for the Coastal and Malnad regions, aimed at encouraging entrepreneurship by utilising local natural resources, culture and heritage.
“The objective is to enable you to become entrepreneurs rather than remain employees,” he said, adding that tourism-related businesses could benefit from longer loan repayment periods, with the government seeking to provide greater financial support and infrastructure.
Shivakumar said he would soon meet entrepreneurs in Mangaluru to discuss the implementation of the initiative and invited people from the region to participate.
He also said this year’s Dasara celebrations would be organised differently, with participation from the Army, Air Force and Navy, along with artists and representatives from different regions and communities.
Addressing the gathering, Shivakumar recalled the support extended to him during difficult times and said he would continue working while respecting the sentiments and aspirations of the people.
“This D.K. Shivakumar is a son of your household. Protect me as you would protect your own children,” he said.
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