Bengaluru, Oct. 1 -- The Karnataka government's proposal to hold an Urdu festival at the Grand Steps of Vidhana Soudha has triggered controversy, prompting the Chief Minister's Office to issue a clarification saying that no such permission has been granted.

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike (KRV) president Narayana Gowda had earlier questioned the decision and warning that the programme could create unnecessary tension between Kannada and Urdu-speaking communities.

Gowda urged Chief Minister DK Shivakumar to withdraw the proposal and said the KRV would oppose the event if it went ahead. He also called for caution to prevent any development that could lead to communal tensions.

The proposal was also criticised by Legislative Council Opposition ...