Bunts Development Corporation to be announced in next Budget

NT Correspondent

Udupi: Chief Minister Siddaramaiah promised that the Bunts Development Corporation would be announced in the next State Budget.

The CM made the remarks at the inaugural function of the World Bunts Conference organized by the Federation of Global Bunts Associations in Udupi city on Saturday.

Bunts are an agriculturalist caste mostly concentrated in Udupi and Dakshina Kannada districts. They have a reputation for being staunch BJP voters but Siddaramaiah being invited to the conference presented him with an opportunity to woo the community as a representative of the Congress.

The CM even spoke a few words in Tulu, the lingua franca of the two districts, and received appreciation for the same.

“Your love and care for Tulu is exemplary. It is a matter of pride. If everyone respects their mother tongue, it will increase the pride we take in our culture,” Siddaramaiah said.

“Over time, Bunts have expanded worldwide and started business and are involved in all sectors of society. The community has a unique culture and heritage,” Siddaramaiah said.

“Bunts and the people of Dakshina Kannada- Udupi district are business adventurers. They travel all over the world and mingle with everyone wherever they go. This is the pride of the community,” he added.

Speaker of the Karnataka Legislative Assembly Speaker UT Khader, District In-charge Minister Lakshmi Hebbalkar, former minister Ramanatha Rai, Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, Congress leader Ivan D'Souza and others were present on the occasion.