DHARWAD: Karnataka Vidyavardhaka Sangha president Patil Puttappa has taken serious exception to chief minister H D Kumaraswamy’s move to introduce English as medium of instruction from first standard in government primary schools.On Saturday, he said that north Karnataka also got a raw deal in the formation of the cabinet as none of the prominent leaders from the region has been inducted. “This government has proved that it is only interested in protecting and promoting the old Mysuru region,” he charged.He also accused the chief minister of meting out injustice to north Karnataka in allocation of funds while presenting the budget.He added that if such injustice continues, the demand for separate statehood for north Karnataka would grow louder.All these issues would be brought to the notice of JD (S) supremo H D Deve Gowda during his visit to Hubballi on Sunday, said Puttappa.Puttappa urged the state government to withdraw its proposal to introduce English medium in government primary schools and said Kannada as a medium of instruction should be mandatory till fifth standard.“Kumaraswamy should convene a meeting of chief ministers of all states to protect regional languages. He can even invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the meeting and initiate steps to protect the mother tongue,” he added“English should not become the medium of instruction at primary level. I do not believe that learning English is very essential. Some states like Assam, Punjab and Kerala have adopted this policy. But, Kumaraswamy should not follow the policies of other states blindly and try to implement here. He should hold a meeting of chief ministers of other states to protect regional language. Even, Kumarswamy can invite Prime Minister Narendra Modi to this meeting and initiate steps to protect mother tongue,” Puttappa said.

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