The prestigious 88th All India Kannada Literary Festival, announced for Ballari over a year ago, is shrouded in deep uncertainty, with strong indications it may be postponed or even shifted to another district. The event, a cornerstone of Kannada literary culture, finds itself entangled in administrative complications and allegations of financial irregularities.
Leadership Turmoil Stalls Preparations
The core of the crisis stems from allegations of misuse of power and financial impropriety against Kannada Sahitya Parishath (KaSaPa) president Mahesh Joshi. In response, the state's Kannada and Culture department appointed its director, KM Gayathri, as the administrator of KaSaPa. This unprecedented move has created a leadership vacuum, raising fundamental questions about who will steer the festival's organisation.
Compounding the issue is a historical precedent: in its 110-year history, KaSaPa has never held its flagship conference without its elected president presiding. While bylaws allow a district president to step in temporarily, the current administrative takeover makes this provision difficult to implement, leaving the festival machinery paralysed.
Growing Frustration in Literary Circles
The visible lack of groundwork in Ballari, despite the announcement made at last year's event in Mandya, has sparked anxiety and anger among writers, publishers, and cultural bodies. Protests have erupted, with several swamijis and Kannada organisations taking to the streets to demand a firm date for the festival. A formal petition outlining these concerns has been submitted to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Ballari District Kannada Sahitya Parishath president Nisthi Rudrappa maintains a stance of cautious hope. He indicated that office bearers plan to meet the Chief Minister after the Belagavi legislative session, with representatives from across the state. He attributed delays to "technical issues" and stated that elected representatives were being urged to push the government to act.
Financial Allocation Mired in Ambiguity
Further clouding the festival's prospects is the unclear status of its funding. Although the state budget allocated Rs 10 crore for the event, there is no clarity on the release of these funds or a timeline for their utilization. The Ballari district administration has also not initiated crucial planning discussions with Sahitya Parishath officials, making any logistical preparation impossible.
Many within the literary community now believe the festival's fate is inextricably linked to the court's ruling in the case against Mahesh Joshi. A delayed verdict almost certainly guarantees a postponed literary meet. With no firm commitment from the government or district authorities, and with frustration mounting, the future of one of Kannada literature's most celebrated gatherings remains hanging in the balance.
