Writers, activists stage protest against Mahesh Joshi in Hassan

Leaders of various progressive organisations and activists of Hassan, on Wednesday, staged a protest against Kannada Sahitya Parishat’s central unit president, Mahesh Joshi. The protesters, alleging that Mr. Joshi was acting like a dictator, demanded his removal from the post.

They took out a protest march from the Hemavathi Statue Circle to the Deputy Commissioner’s office. Later they submitted a memorandum to the DC’s office.

They alleged Mr. Joshi had unilaterally decided to amend the bylaw of the parishat to enhance his powers. He wanted powers to appoint directors of his choice and also give them voting rights. By such moves, the president was ignoring members of the state executive committee, elected by the voters, the protesters said.

Instead of working to safeguard the interests of Kannada, he had been more interested in exercising his authority as president. “Many people who held the post earlier worked with utmost simplicity. However, Joshi is facing many allegations. He has not furnished the details of expenses incurred for organizing sammelana at Mandya”, they alleged.

Published - May 28, 2025 08:37 pm IST