Kannada Development Authority Chairman Dr C Somshekhar condemned the Maharashtra government's decision to conduct a survey of non-Marathi speaking population through Gram Panchayats.
In a statement released on Friday, Dr Somshekhar said that Kannada speaking people were in considerable number in Jat, Akkalkot and southern part of Solapur district in Maharashtra and a survey of non-Marathi speaking people was an attempt to threaten them.
Kannada speaking people in Maharashtra were living in harmony by respecting the state and should be given a cultural and educational commitment by the neighbouring state. Their self-esteem and respect should not be hurt and they should not be provoked, he demanded.
Karnataka government will stand with the Kannada speaking people from Maharashtra and respond to their needs, Dr Somshekhar stated.