Mangaluru, Nov 19 (NationPress) The head of the Kannada Development Authority (KDA), Purushothama Bilimale, has sparked significant political and cultural debate in Karnataka with his assertion that numerous esteemed Yakshagana performers are homosexuals. This statement has drawn strong disapproval from the state’s Opposition party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

BJP state president and MLA BY Vijayendra swiftly condemned Bilimale's comments as "unacceptable," urging the state government to promptly address the issue and remove him from his position.

Vijayendra described the statement as an affront not just to Yakshagana performers and the coastal region, but also to the entire Hindu community, noting that it "exemplifies the mindset of the Congress party."

Yakshagana is a traditional dance-drama art form in Karnataka that blends music, dance, elaborate costumes, and dynamic movements to portray tales from the Hindu epics.

While speaking at the launch of the books “Dharege Doddavara Kavyada Elu Pathyagalu” and “Naaavu Kooguva Koogu” in Mysuru on Tuesday, Bilimale claimed that the lifestyle of many Yakshagana performers often leads them towards same-sex relationships. He indicated that the dynamics within the troupes played a significant role in this.

“As performers travel continuously for six to eight months, families often hesitate to marry their daughters to them. Male artists who portray female characters also experience pressures. In this context, he noted that performers often develop attractions towards one another,” he elaborated.

Bilimale further alleged that in instances where a male performer playing a female role rejected same-sex advances, the ‘bhagavatha’ (lead singer) would retaliate by withholding their verses the next day, effectively punishing them on stage.

The KDA chief mentioned that some artists, fearing loss of roles in the troupe could jeopardize their livelihoods, endured significant pressure.

Vijayendra has called for action against Bilimale, insisting that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should "urgently dismiss the chairman of the Kannada Development Authority" if the Congress-led government values local art, tradition, and culture.

He urged the entire Hindu community, irrespective of political affiliations, to stand against the remarks made by the KDA chief.

While addressing other concerns in Puttur town, Mangaluru, on Wednesday, Vijayendra stated that "governance in the state has entirely collapsed" amid rising competition for the Chief Minister’s position within the ruling Congress party.

He announced that the BJP will commence protests, both inside and outside the Assembly, against the "corrupt and anti-people" government, which he claims has failed to deliver on its promises, leaving voters feeling deceived.