Padmaraj Poojary hits out at Pratap Simha over remarks on Tulu’s official language status

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, Sep 27, 2026: Dakshina Kannada District Congress Committee president Padmaraj R. Poojary has criticised former MP Pratap Simha for questioning the significance of recognising Tulu as Karnataka’s second official administrative language.

Poojary said the Congress government had honoured the sentiments and self-respect of the people of Tulu Nadu by granting Tulu the status of the state’s second official administrative language. He alleged that Simha had insulted the people of Tulu Nadu by asking, “What benefit will this bring?”

Poojary demanded that Simha apologise to the Tulu-speaking community and urged BJP leaders in the district to advise him appropriately.

He also said the historic Cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru resulted in the announcement of projects worth more than ₹16,000 crore for the development of the coastal region. He said the Congress government was working to make Mangaluru an investment hub by organising an Investors’ Meet and focusing on the development of hospitals, roads and ports.

Alleging that BJP leaders were protesting against these development initiatives for political gains, Poojary said BJP MPs and leaders elected from Karnataka should first raise their voice with the Centre over the state’s rightful share of taxes instead of remaining silent.

He further criticised BJP leaders for ridiculing the Congress guarantees as “freebies” during elections, while allegedly replicating similar schemes in other states and promoting them under the name “Modi Guarantee”. He claimed that BJP governments in those states had failed to implement such schemes effectively for the poor.