Karave calls protest against Governor’s letter on SSLC Hindi grading policy
Bengaluru, The controversy over the Karnataka government’s decision to introduce a grading system instead of marks for SSLC Hindi exams has intensified, with the Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (Karave) announcing a protest against the Governor’s intervention.
The issue gained momentum after Thaawarchand Gehlot reportedly wrote to Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh, urging a reconsideration of the policy. Reacting strongly, Karave state president T A Narayana Gowda condemned the move, calling it an “unwarranted interference” in state matters.
Addressing reporters, Narayana Gowda said Karave workers from across the state would gather at Lok Bhavan in Bengaluru on Monday at 11 am to stage a protest. “This interference undermines the federal structure. The Governor must remember that he is not an elected representative of the people,” he said.
He further alleged that the Governor has no moral or constitutional authority to interfere in the day-to-day functioning of a democratically elected government. “When a government with a clear majority is functioning effectively, such actions are unacceptable,” he added.
Defending the state’s decision, Karave leaders stated that the government has the constitutional right to introduce changes in the education system. They argued that the grading system was implemented after considering various academic factors and its pros and cons would be evaluated by elected representatives.
Narayana Gowda also criticized the alleged influence of certain language advocacy groups, questioning their sudden prominence. “We are surprised at how quickly the Governor responded to such representations. These tactics are not new to Karnataka,” he remarked.
He further accused pro-Hindi lobbies of attempting to impose their agenda in the state. “If there is genuine concern for the three-language policy, let Kannada be made compulsory in northern states as well,” he said.
The protest is expected to witness participation from hundreds of activists, escalating the language policy debate in the state.
