Karnataka wants Thackeray to apologise

BANGALORE: The state government will write to Union Home Minister P Chidambaram requesting him to ask Shivsena chief Bal Thackeray to apologise to Karnataka for insulting Jnanapith award winner Dr Chandrashekar Kambar. “Kambar is the symbol of self respect, not only of Karnataka but also the entire country as it has been the decision of the Centre to confer the award. In such circumstances, it is the bounden duty of the Centre to pull up the Shivsena chief,” Law Minister Suresh Kumar told reporters here on Friday. According to Suresh Kumar, Thackeray’s statement is not only in bad taste but also provocative and intimidatory, which are not acceptable in democracy. In his characteristic sarcasm, Suresh Kumar said, “Like Jnanapith award for the sane, sober and knowledgeable people, there should be ‘Ajnanapith’ award for which Thackeray must be selected.”