Codava Council Defends Rashmika Mandanna Amidst Political Controversy

The Codava National Council appealed to authorities to safeguard actress Rashmika Mandanna, who faced criticism from a Karnataka MLA for identifying as being from Hyderabad. The council denounced such actions as bullying, urging respect for her personal choices and highlighting underlying Codava phobia in the allegations.

The Codava National Council (CNC) has called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Karnataka's Home Minister G Parameshwara to ensure the safety of Rashmika Mandanna, a multilingual film actress. The call follows criticism by ruling party MLA Ravi Kumar Gowda (Ganiga) and Kannada activist T A Narayana Gowda over Mandanna's identification with Hyderabad rather than Karnataka.

The CNC, led by President N U Nachappa, expressed concerns about the alleged bullying and intimidation faced by Rashmika due to her roots in the Indigenous Codava tribal race. Highlighting her achievements through hard work, the CNC urged authorities to respect her freedom of choice and condemned the actions as Codava phobia.

The controversy arises from MLA Ganiga's remarks on Rashmika's association with Hyderabad despite her roots in Kodagu district, Karnataka. The Codava Council emphasizes the need for the government to uphold justice and protect Rashmika's rights against such legislative harassment.

(With inputs from agencies.)