Due to paucity of funds and drought in Karnataka, the Kannada Sahitya Parishath has decided to postpone the 87th Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana, which was scheduled to be held in Mandya, for an indefinite period. The Kannada Sahitya Parishath had sought ₹25 crore from the government for the festival.
“It is not right to celebrate a Kannada festival when people are in trouble. So, we have decided to postpone the Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana for an indefinite period,” said Mahesh Joshi, president of Kannada Sahitya Parishath. “The government has not said anything about postponing the literature festival. I have taken this decision in the interest of the people of the State. The literature festival will be held after the drought situation improves,” he added.