Madikeri: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah warned action on Tuesday against those trying to hurt Kannada sentiments.

As if to buttress his point, he said criminal action had been initiated against the legislators of the Maharashtra Ekikaran Samiti for allegedly speaking against Karnataka.

He was speaking after inaugurating the 80th Kannada Sahitya Sammelana here. Siddaramaiah said he was sending back files that are in English as his government is committed to Kannada as the official language. He said it was his personal opinion that education should be in Kannada medium.

The chief minister spoke about initiating strict action against those responsible for not properly utilising funds released for the development of Kannada, following the grant of the classical language status. He advised those agitating for a separate Kodava state to give up their demand and invited them for talks to discuss their grievances.

Siddaramaiah reminded the literary fraternity that they too have social responsibility like other citizens. He said a Kannada Internet encyclopaedia had been launched along the lines of Wikipedia.

Earlier, Sammelana president Na D’Souza and his wife Philomena were taken out in a colourful procession from the Gandhi Maidan to the Field Marshal K M Cariappa College grounds, the venue, in a specially decorated chariot. It was a departure from tradition as the Kannada Sahitya Parishat president usually accompanies the Sammelana president.

The change had to be made because Pundalika Halambi, the Parishat president, was indisposed. Hundreds of volunteers, raising pro-Kannada slogans, troupes reflecting Kannada culture and tableaux accompanied the procession.

No proper arrangements
There were complaints that no proper arrangements had been made for the registration of the delegates at the venue or to provide information at the bus stand.