Bengaluru: What began as a discussion on cultural events turned into a noisy divide in the assembly Wednesday, with members split over whether disc jockeys (DJs) and ‘item songs’ belong at jayantis and processions. Labour minister Santosh Lad pitched for a ban, saying, “DJs have become a big problem at jayantis and festivals. Gods don’t move forward in a procession without a DJ and an item song. This is shameful and does our culture no good. They should be banned.” Endorsing his view, Kannada and culture minister Shivaraj Tangadagi said, “BJP should cooperate. We will issue an order because DJs are creating a lot of problems. If everyone agrees, it will be done.” But BJP refused to buy the argument. SN Channabasappa hit back, saying: “They (Cong) may not want DJs, but we want it. You cannot do as you please. Ban azaan as per a Supreme Court order if you can.” At this, speaker UT Khader intervened and said the Supreme Court order concerns only decibel limits. Meanwhile, Channabasappa’s party colleague, Suresh Kumar, supported restrictions. “I agree they are not part of our culture… I have seen people with pacemakers suffer and children close their ears. We must consider the noise pollution,” he said. The debate was triggered by a question on funding Sahyadri or Malnad utsav in Shivamogga. Earlier, members from both treasury and opposition benches pressed the govt to allocate funds for district-level utsavs to promote local culture and support artists, with several calling for a clear policy to institutionalise such events. Raising the issue during question hour, legislators said district utsavs provide a platform for regional talent and help preserve traditional art forms. Channabasappa highlighted increasing demands from districts. Responding to this, Tangadagi said, “People from each district are now asking for funds for district-level utsavs.” He said guidelines exist but proposals must come from districts. “If these utsavs are celebrated at historical places like Hampi and Anegundi, it will be good, but it will be a problem for the department if all districts launched such celebrations,” he said. Khader urged a structured approach. “Please allot funds for each district and transfer it to the deputy commissioners. Frame a separate policy for it otherwise our younger generation and children will forget local culture and tradition amid western influence,” he said. BJP’s V Sunil Kumar suggested organising state-level utsavs across regions alongside district events, while BJP’s Janardhan Reddy sought revival of Anegundi utsav. Priyank Kharge, RDPR minister, said, “We should create a throughout-the-year event calendar… Rs 20 crore is spent on some two-day festival, but what about the remaining 363 days?” Lad said costs escalate due to big-ticket performances.
