Union Minister V Somanna Proposes National Celebration for Kittur Rani Channamma
Union Minister of State V Somanna has made a significant announcement from Bengaluru. He revealed a proposal to get the Central Government to officially celebrate Kittur Rani Channamma Vijayotsava. This event commemorates the 19th-century ruler's brave resistance against British colonial rule.
Minister's Commitment to Elevate the Festival
Somanna spoke at the Sankranti Harajatre organized by the Harihar Veerashaiva-Lingayat Panchamasali Peeta. He stated clearly that he would raise this matter directly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Railways Ministry has hosted this festival for the past two years. This happened after Somanna assumed charge as the Railways Minister in 2024.
Now, the minister aims to elevate the October 23 event into a nationally recognized celebration. "Channamma is the first Indian ruler to revolt against British rule on Oct 23, 1824," Somanna emphasized. "This happened more than three decades before another valiant queen of India, Jhansi Rani Lakshmi Bai, led her rebellion in 1857."
"So, this historic day deserves to be celebrated as a national event," he declared. "I will request the PM to announce the state celebration of Kittur Rani Vijayotsava. I am sure he will oblige."
Potential Impact and Karnataka's Response
If implemented, this move would mark a historic first. Channamma would become the first icon from Karnataka to be officially celebrated by the Centre. Her statue already stands proudly in the Parliament complex. It shares space with national figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Chhatrapati Shivaji, and Basavanna.
The proposal would also add to Karnataka's existing practice. The state has a decade-old tradition of state-sponsored celebrations of historical icons through Jayantis. The Karnataka government has expressed its support for Somanna's initiative.
"We don't want to see it from a political angle," said Shivaraj Tangadgi, the Kannada and Culture Minister. Currently, the state celebrates 33 jayantis. These mark the birth anniversaries of various figures, including Rani Channamma. Her observance occurs as a three-day Kittur Utsava starting from October 23.
Political Context and Community Perspectives
Such celebrations in Karnataka have often carried political overtones. A notable example is Siddaramaiah's decision to introduce Tipu Jayanti in 2013. That move sparked considerable controversy. The BJP government later dropped it. The celebration was not revived after Siddaramaiah returned to power in 2023.
Siddaramaiah has claimed credit for starting Channamma Jayanti in 2015. His government also mandated the display of Basavanna's portrait in government offices. They declared him the cultural leader of Karnataka. Both Channamma and Basavanna are key icons of the Lingayat community.
Channamma has been politically appropriated by the Panchamasalis. This group is the largest Lingayat sub-sect. They are estimated to account for about 12% of Karnataka's 5.2-crore electorate.
Controversy Over Dates and Community Support
The celebrations remain contentious on one specific point. Community elders assert that Channamma's actual birth anniversary falls on November 14, not October 23.
"Oct 23 marks her victory against the British army," explained Swami Vichananada of the Veerashaiva-Lingayat Panchamasali Peeta. "The government is wrongly celebrating her Jayanti on Oct 23. We are demanding that Kittur Utsava be celebrated between Oct 23 and Nov 14 for three weeks. This would cover both her Jayanti and Vijayotsava."
Despite this date dispute, the Peeta welcomed Somanna's proposal. They stated they would again write to the Prime Minister. Their letter will seek a state-level celebration of Kittur Rani Channamma Vijayotsava, supporting the minister's push for national recognition.
