Tag Archives: AS Ponnanna – MLA – Karnataka

Ponnanna and Manthar are like the two eyes of Kodagu; protect them

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Bengaluru :

“Instead of migrating elsewhere for jobs, people of the Coastal and Malnad regions should start businesses in your own hometowns utilizing local natural resources. To empower you, the Congress government has formulated a special Tourism Policy for the Coastal and Malnad regions,” called upon CM D. K. Shivakumar.

Shivakumar was speaking at the Kail Muhurat Jambara 2026 event held on Sunday at the Kodagu Gowda Samaja Hall in Ullal, Bengaluru.

“All of you have come from Kodagu and are residing in Bengaluru. If you forget your roots, you will not achieve success. Just as roots are essential for a tree, faith is essential for a human being. It gives me immense joy to see you all come together, building such a magnificent structure by bringing together your culture, hometown, heritage, and community. My congratulations to everyone who worked hard and encouraged this effort,” he said.

Kodagu has a rich history of valor, culture, and spirituality

“Kodagu has a history in the fields of valor, culture, and spirituality. We can never forget its history of raising heroes in every household. Mother Cauvery, who originates here, feeds us all the way to Puducherry. This time, there has been a severe drought. Even the Malnad region has lacked rainfall this year. I am anxiously waiting for the lakes and the KRS dam to fill up,” he stated.

“I have decided to conduct the Cauvery Aarti every year, and instructions have been issued to celebrate it during the Dasara festival this year as well. Kodagu district is the Kashmir of Karnataka. The entire world is attracted to this region. Preserve your heritage; it is a great human quality. In my own experience, people migrate from villages to cities for education and livelihood. If education and employment were available in the villages, you would not have come here. You are organizing yourselves and trying to do good for the village people, and you have presented several demands to me,” he said.

Build businesses in your own hometowns

“We recently held a special cabinet meeting in Mangaluru, where a separate tourism policy was formulated for the Malnad and Coastal regions. The talent of the people from this region must be recognized. People from this district have left their mark in sports and the defense sector. Educational institutions and banks were established in the Coastal region, but they have now declined. Protecting them is our duty. It has been decided to utilize the 327 km-long coastline for tourism, similar to Goa and Kerala,” he noted.

“Looking at Mangaluru, Udupi, and Karwar, there isn’t even a single five-star hotel. I do not wish to talk politics about why this happened. It is our desire to leave behind a meaningful contribution during our tenure. We are not permanent in politics. God gives neither blessings nor curses; He only gives opportunities. What we do with the opportunities we get is what matters,” he expressed.

“The Tirupati Temple Trust approached us asking for land to build a good temple. For that purpose, the Cabinet has decided to allot 10 acres of land in Mangaluru to the TTD Board. There are already temples like Kukke Subramanya, Kollur Mookambika, Kateel, and Dharmasthala in that region. This decision was taken to help those who cannot travel to Tirupati visit the Venkataramana temple here instead,” he said.

“Our decision regarding the Tulu language has been discussed worldwide; it is a symbol of self-respect. We have framed a special tourism policy combining the Coastal and Malnad regions. Rather than going outside for employment, this should enable the people of this region to build businesses right at their doorstep. We arrived at this decision so that you become entrepreneurs rather than remaining employees. No one can erase your coffee, spices, and culture. To protect them, an infrastructure policy has been integrated into this tourism policy. If you start a tourism-related business in this region, the repayment tenure for loans offered by banks can be extended from 5–6 years to up to 20 years. Financial strength must be provided to those starting businesses,” he explained.

Meeting with entrepreneurs in Mangaluru shortly

“I will visit Mangaluru again and sit down to hold discussions with all entrepreneurs. I invite you as well; please participate. Instead of outsiders coming and starting businesses here, set up businesses yourselves and build assets. I am making efforts to give strength to this initiative,” he informed.

Ponnanna and Manthar are like the two eyes of Kodagu; protect them

“You have shown special affection toward me, and I believe in principles over caste to take everyone along together. Victory to human values; peace to the world through righteousness. We must follow the message given by our National Poet Kuvempu in the state anthem to live with humanity without hurting anyone’s feelings. We are building our lives for the unity, integrity, and peace of the nation. Let us work together for this.

Representatives from Mysuru have submitted a memorandum regarding land, and I have instructed Ponnanna and Manthar Gowda to present this matter before the Cabinet. I will extend whatever help is possible from my end and look into the remaining demands to provide assistance,” he assured.

“When I was in difficult times, all of you stood by me in support, praying and fighting for me. As I always say, efforts may fail, but prayers never fail. You all expressed the desire for this D. K. Shivakumar to be around for a longer time to serve the state. I will govern without compromising your feelings, thoughts, and respect. This D. K. Shivakumar is a son of your household. Protect me as you would protect your own children. There are two MLAs here—Manthar 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. Those who are strong and perform well will always have critics and enemies,” he said.

Protect your voting rights

“If we are stronger, we will have more enemies; if we are less strong, fewer enemies; if we aren’t strong at all, there will be no enemies. Envy exists toward those who work actively. Therefore, you must protect these two MLAs. Protecting them is equivalent to protecting me and giving me strength. Protect your votes. You are seeing it yourselves—we are fighting day and night to safeguard your right to vote. Now, the Election Commission has directed that no names should be removed from the voter list unnecessarily.

“Let them revise the names of those having more than one vote or those who have passed away. But the rights of genuine, eligible voters must be protected. The right to vote is the right to life; it is the power granted by the Constitution,” he said.

Celebrating Dasara differently this time

“You have celebrated Ayudha Puja with great joy, and we will accord the respect due to the history and Gowda heritage of Kodagu. You are preserving both agricultural and cultural traditions. Our culture is the asset of our nation. We are trying to celebrate Dasara differently this time—troops from the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy should participate in the Dasara procession to honor the soldiers who have served the nation. Artists from various regions, the film industry, and all communities should be included, and we are moving forward to conduct the event with discipline,” he stated.

I am with you, stand with us
“Ambassadors from several nations and Chief Ministers of other states have been invited to this tradition that has been carried forward since the era of the Maharajas. Opportunities have also been provided for your traditions and culture in the procession. This D. K. Shivakumar will be with you on all occasions. Utilize me as much as you can. May good things happen to you. I am with you; stay with us,” he assured.

source: http://www.megamedianews.com / MegaMedia News / Home> Regional News / by Editor / October 05th, 2026

Rajya Sabha member Ajay Maken to contribute funds from his grants for Sports Training Residential Hostel in Kodagu

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Rajya Sabha member Ajay Maken and MLA for Virajpet A.S. Ponnanna, who is also Legal Advisor to the Chief Minister, looking at a map during an inspection of a site reserved for a sports facility in Kodagu on Monday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Rajya Sabha member Ajay Maken has assured to provide funds from his grants for the construction of a Sports Training Residential Hostel in Kodagu.

Mr. Maken, along with the Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor and MLA for Virajpet A.S. Ponnanna, inspected a site reserved for a high-level sports facility at V. Badaga village in Virajpet in Kodagu district on Monday.

During the inspection, Mr. Ponnanna explained to the Rajya Sabha member that the residential hostel in Kodagu will attract athletes, especially those from Kodagu.

Mr. Maken, during the inspection of the 11.2 acres of land reserved for the sports facility, assured that maximum possible funds from his grants will be allocated to the hostel.

Speaking to reporters, Mr. Ponnanna recalled that he had submitted a request to the MP earlier and the latter had fondly remembered Kodagu’s proud contributions to sports and armed forces, while assuring full support by providing grants to the best of his ability.

A statement said that preparatory work for the construction of the Sports Training Residential Hostel has already been under way. An official programme in the presence of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Sports Minister and Mr. Maken will be held likely in November this year and the date for the same will be finalised later.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / September 15th, 2025

Thousands stand witness to Cauvery Tula Sankramana at Talacauvery

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The chants of ‘Jai Jai Maatha, Cauvery Maatha’ and other devotional callings filled the morning air at Talacauvery and the rituals were led by priest Prashanth Achar and others.

Devotees taking part in the Cauvery Tula Sankramana. (Photo | ENS)

Madikeri :

The chants ‘Ukki Baa Cauvery’ broke the morning mist at Talacauvery as the sacrosanct event of Cauvery Tula Sankramana was witnessed by thousands of devotees.

The holy water gushed out from the ‘Kundike’ at 7.41 am, a minute later than the predicted time. Rituals followed the holy event and the temple towns of Bhagamandala and Talacauvery flourished with devotion on Thursday.

The chants of ‘Jai Jai Maatha, Cauvery Maatha’ and other devotional callings filled the morning air at Talacauvery and the rituals were led by priest Prashanth Achar and others.

The roads leading to Bhagamandala and Talacauvery were flooded with devotees from midnight hours even as hundreds of devotees dressed in traditional Kodava attire marched barefoot to the temple from Bhagamandala.

A few devotees even carried out ‘padayatra’ from Virajpet and the temple towns were witness to the endless devotions from thousands of devotees. While the astrologers predicted the holy gushing of water to take place at 7.40 am, the same was witnessed a minute later. Hundreds took a dip in the holy water even as arrangements were in place to distribute the holy water to the gathered devotees.

Alongside the arrangements extended by the district administration and police department, several volunteers and other organizations joined in to ensure smooth ongoing of the activities during the festivity.

Increased security was deployed by the police department. Under the leadership of SP K Ramarajan, four DySPs, 12 Inspectors, 32 PSIs, 350 constables, two KSRP, four DAR staff and others extended security to the devotees.

Mass feeding to the devotees was extended by Kodagu Ekikarana Members. Apart from the traffic jam, all necessary arrangements were made to ensure smooth visits of the devotees.

Several dignitaries including district in-charge minister Boseraju, MLAs AS Ponnanna, Dr Mantar Gowda, DC Venkat Raja and others were present during the sacrosanct event. 

source: http://www.newindianexpess.com / The New Indian Express / Home> Karnataka / by Express News Service / October 17th, 2024

‘Koosina Mane’ at Thithimathi to benefit MGNREGA workers

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MLA A.S. Ponnanna after launching the Koosina Mane at Thithimathi on Wednesday. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

Women enrolled under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Kodagu need not have to worry about the safety and medical care of their children when they go out for work. For, a child care center has come up at Thithimathi in Virajpet taluk where the children would be looked after by the caregivers.

Koosina Mane, where the kids are taken care of, was inaugurated on Thursday.

MLA and Chief Minister’s Legal Advisor A.S. Ponnanna who inaugurated the child care center said the facility will be helpful to the children of those engaged in MGNREGA works. The center looks after children aged between 6 months and three years by the caretakers. The Thithimati villagers need to make best use of the facility, he said.

The growth of children was key in particular age groups and Koosina Mane will be helpful for the children’s growth as they are taken proper care by the experienced staff, he added.

Koosina Mane has come up in 12 Gram Panchayats in Kodagu and a committee headed by the Zilla Panchayat CEO was monitoring the functioning of Koosina Mane.

The ‘Koosina Mane’ scheme was announced in the budget by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who also holds the finance portfolio. The government has proposed to open nearly 4,000 child homes for the benefit of working mothers enrolled under MGNREGA.

The government announced the scheme in the budget intending to provide medical care, nutrition, and safety to the children of women from rural areas enrolled under the MGNREGA. The caretakers of the children at Koosina Mane will be paid a sum of ₹316 a day under the scheme. The women will be financially empowered since 100 days of employment is assured under the scheme.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> India> Karnataka / by The Hindu Bureau / January 18th, 2024

Kodavas must unite to fight for their rights: MLA AS Ponnanna

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He was speaking at the inauguration of the Global Kodava Summit organized by the Connecting Kodavas Trust organization in Madikeri on Friday.

Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna. (Photo | Twitter, @ASPonnanna)
Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna. (Photo | Twitter, @ASPonnanna)

Madikeri :

“The Kodava community must unite to fight for the rights. Our ancestors fought to protect our land and culture. Let this fight continue. But fight for your rights and do not mock other communities or religions. Love every community,” called out Virajpet MLA AS Ponnanna.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the Global Kodava Summit organized by the Connecting Kodavas Trust organization in Madikeri on Friday.

Ponnanna appreciated the efforts of the trust in bringing the community together. He urged the trust to lay a foundation for the rightful voicing of the communities’ needs and said, “Let there be resolutions formed in this summit on what our rights are and what needs to be done to preserve the community. I will extend my full support to attain these resolutions,” he assured.

He opined that political maturity is needed amongst the community to attain support for the fight towards rights. He highlighted that the land problems concerning Jamma land, preservation of gun rights and ethnographic studies are the issues that must be fought unitedly under a strong leadership. He urged for the preservation of the land, nature, culture and relationships.

MLC Shantharam Budna Siddi, who was present as the chief guest, urged the youth to come forward to work for the society. He assured to extend his support in the legislature for the ST tag fight of the Kodavas.

Chethan Singhai, Chief Consultant of the National Curriculum-Ministry of Education, urged the community to focus on education and appreciate the values of culture. He called out to the community to focus on locality that he said is largely rooted in values.

Human activist Rashmi Samath called out to the youngsters to come back to their roots.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Karnataka / by Express News Service / December 30th, 2023

Possessing wildlife items with ancestral history not a crime: Karnataka MLA

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Member of legislative assembly (MLA) and chief minister Siddarmaiah’s legal advisor, AS Ponnanna on Tuesday stated that possessing wildlife products with ancestral connections should not an offence.

MLA AS Ponnanna stresses importance of recognising the historical importance of heritage items. (Facebook/ AS Ponnanna)
MLA AS Ponnanna stresses importance of recognising the historical importance of heritage items. (Facebook/ AS Ponnanna)

Member of legislative assembly (MLA) and chief minister Siddarmaiah’s legal advisor, AS Ponnanna on Tuesday said that possessing wildlife products with ancestral connections should not be an offence.

Ponnanna’s statement came in reference to the stay order issued by the state high court in response to a notice served to Rajya Sabha member and actor Jaggesh by forest officials.’

Speaking to reporters in Madikeri on Tuesday, Ponnanna said that the forest ministry should instruct forest officers not to take any action against those who possess wildlife products until the high court delivers its verdict.

Ponnanna stressed the importance of recognising the cultural and historical significance of heritage items and expressed his belief that it is not appropriate to initiate legal proceedings against those who possess such items. “There is a need for forest officials to have a comprehensive understanding of the wildlife protection laws and urged the government to provide clear guidance to these officers,” he said.

The issue at hand pertains to the use of wildlife products traditionally employed by the people of Kodagu for generations. Ponnanna mentioned that he intends to meet with the chief minister and engage in discussions aimed at providing relief through the state government.

The ongoing legal actions taken by the forest department against individuals who possess wildlife products have instilled fear among hundreds of residents in Kodagu district. Given that the district is a hilly region known for its abundant wildlife and was once encouraged for hunting during the British colonial period, wildlife protection laws were only established in 1972. Prior to that, hundreds of landowners in Kodagu proudly displayed wildlife antlers and skins in their homes as a status symbol, he said.

In Kodagu, people showcased wildlife antlers and skins in their homes as a status symbol. “As I have possessed deer antlers for more than a century, I did not declare them with the forest department,” a coffee grower from Ponnampet in Kodagu told HT on condition of anonymity. He suggested that the state government should provide one more opportunity for individuals to declare their possession of wildlife products.

“The state government should act in accordance with the law. No concessions should be granted to anyone, nor should the possession of wildlife products be allowed,” wildlife expert KM Chinnappa told HT. He warned that if the government permits such practices, hunting could make a resurgence. Chinnappa emphasized the need to change our habits and strictly follow the law, which is enforced for the benefit of the people.

“We will not file suo moto cases or conduct checks in houses in Kodagu,” Madikeri DCF H Bhaskar told HT. He explained that the state government had previously given people a chance to declare their possession of wildlife products until 2003. Whether the state offers another chance for declaration or not, he added, it would be considered an offence.

source: http://www.hindustantimes.com / Hindustan Times / Home> News> Cities> Bengaluru News / by Coovrcolly Indresh, Mysuru / November 01st, 2023