Belagavi: A major political storm erupted in the Karnataka Assembly on December 9 after BJP legislators sharply condemned Kannada Development Authority (KDA) chairman Purushottam Bilimale for his controversial remarks alleging that “most Yakshagana artistes are homosexuals”. The remark—made during a book-release event at Mysuru’s Manasagangotri campus—triggered massive outrage across coastal Karnataka and has now escalated into a full-blown political confrontation inside the House.
Raising the issue during the Zero Hour, Karkala MLA Sunil Kumar launched a strong offensive against Bilimale, accusing him of insulting an entire community of traditional artistes and defaming the cultural identity of Karnataka. He demanded immediate disciplinary action and insisted that the government issue a notice seeking detailed clarification from the KDA chief.
Speaker U.T. Khader, acknowledging the seriousness of the matter, directed the Kannada and Culture Department to issue a formal notice to Bilimale and obtain his explanation. The Speaker also warned that public authorities must refrain from making reckless, derogatory and culturally insensitive statements that bring disrepute to institutions they represent.
BJP MLAs intensified their attack, stating that Bilimale’s statements had caused “deep emotional hurt” to Yakshagana artistes, their families and the coastal communities for whom the art form is a source of cultural pride. Belthangady MLA Harish Poonja and Mangaluru South MLA Vedavyas Kamath demanded that the government remove Bilimale from the post of KDA chairman, arguing that someone who “insults Karnataka’s heritage” cannot be allowed to lead its cultural body.
Yakshagana artistes across coastal districts expressed shock and resentment, accusing Bilimale of generalising and misrepresenting their art form. They argued that centuries-old traditions should not be maligned through irresponsible remarks. Several troupes said the comments had caused humiliation to performers who dedicate their lives to the art.
Responding to the criticism, Kannada and Culture Minister Shivraj Tangadagi assured the House that the government would take corrective measures and ensure that such objectionable remarks are not repeated by public officials. The minister said that Bilimale would be asked to submit a written explanation and that the government would evaluate the appropriate course of action after receiving it.
The escalating controversy began when Bilimale, while speaking at a programme in Mysuru, claimed that many Yakshagana artistes were pushed into homosexual relationships due to the nature of their profession—where artistes travel for months and play gender-reversed roles on stage. He also alleged that female-role performers faced pressure and that refusal to comply resulted in discrimination by Bhagavathas (lead narrators). The remarks were swiftly condemned as baseless, derogatory and damaging.
As backlash intensified, Bilimale issued an apology, stating that his comments were misinterpreted and that his intention was to highlight the hardships facing Yakshagana artistes. He added that he never intended to target or insult the community and expressed regret if his words caused pain.
However, BJP members called the apology “insufficient and insincere”, insisting that the damage had already been done. They argued that Bilimale’s claims, made without evidence, fuel stereotypes and undermine Karnataka’s cultural institutions.
With the Speaker’s directive now in place, the government is expected to seek a detailed written explanation from Bilimale. Whether disciplinary action will follow remains to be seen, but the controversy has already caused significant political friction and public outrage.
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