Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Yakshagana Row: KDA Chief's Remarks on Homosexuality Spark Outrage, BJP Demands Ouster
The head of a cultural authority in Karnataka said some Yakshagana performers in the past might have been gay due to their lifestyle.
This upset many people, including the main opposition party, who want him to resign.
He said he was just talking about the past, not now.
Kannada Development Authority (KDA) Chairman Purushottam Bilimale sparked controversy by stating homosexuality was 'inevitable' among Yakshagana performers in earlier decades
BJP demands Bilimale's resignation, accusing Congress government of disrespecting the art form
Bilimale clarifies remarks were about the past, not the present Yakshagana world
Artistes express anger, saying remarks cast a shadow on the community
Bilimale differentiates between artistic concerns and political attacks
- Who
- Purushottam Bilimale, Kannada Development Authority Chairman
- What
- Made controversial remarks about homosexuality among Yakshagana performers in the past
- When
- At a book launch event in Mysuru
- Where
- Karnataka, India
- Why
- To highlight the struggles of Yakshagana performers, according to Bilimale
Bilimale's View
BJP's View
Remarks on Homosexuality
Bilimale's View
Homosexuality was 'inevitable' among Yakshagana performers in the past due to their lifestyle
BJP's View
Insult to Yakshagana and Hindu society
- Art Form
- Yakshagana, a centuries-old folk theatre tradition of coastal Karnataka
- Bilimale's Background
- Former Yakshagana artiste for 30-40 years
- BJP's Demand
- Bilimale's immediate resignation and apology
- Bilimale's Clarification
- Remarks were about the past, not the present Yakshagana world