Mysuru: Stating that Kannadigas lacked self-respect and that nobody should feel disappointed over his remark, former PM H.D. Deve Gowda stressed on the need for a regional party to address the problems faced by the State.

He was speaking at the 83rd Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana being held at Maharaja’s College Grounds here yesterday.

Pointing out that Tamil Nadu has been electing only regional parties and many a times even controlling the Union Government, Deve Gowda reiterated the importance of a regional party for the State.

Bemoaning the present situation in the country with growing religious intolerance rampant across the country, Deve Gowda said that there were more serious issues to be addressed rather than raking up unnecessary controversies.

Recalling his visits to Chamundi Hill and other shrines across the country, the former PM said that he would not deviate from the principles and ideologies that he believes.

Noting that as a firm believer of God, he was reading ‘Shiva Purana’ book when Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Manu Baligar came to his house to invite him for the Sammelana, Deve Gowda said he has high regards for all those who fought for Kannada land and language.

Veteran writer Go. Ru. Channabasappa, who also spoke, recalled the day when H.D. Deve Gowda as Chief Minister had extended Rs. 50,000 towards the medical expanses of Rashtrakavi Late G.S. Shivarudrappa who had undergone surgery.

More than 60 personalities from different fields who have made significant contribution to the State were felicitated on the occasion.

Legislative Council Deputy Chairman Marithibbegowda, MLA N.H. Konaraddi, Sammelana  President Chandrashekhar Patil, Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Dr. Manu Baligar, Kannada Sahitya Parishat District President Dr. Y.D. Rajanna and others were present.