Mangaluru: Yakshagana, the folk art of Coastal belt of Karnataka often has some bit of comic relief with artists engaging in some friendly exchange of words. However, one such attempts by an artist to make his performance a little more comical cost him dear.

Poornesh Acharya, a Yakshagana artist who plays the comic roles in the renowned Kateel Mela, on April 1 resorted to delivering an unexpected dialogue at Padumarnadu near Kasargod where a particular show was being staged.

“Evanarva……. Evanarva,” Acharya said during the show, imitating AICC Chief Rahul Gandhi’s attempts to read out Basavanna’s Vachana “Evanu yaarava…. Evanu Yaarava”. Rahul’s mispronunciation of the Vachana had become a laughing stock over the internet. However, a clipping of Acharya’s performance went viral.

Merely few days after the incident, Election Commission officials contacted the Kateel Mela chief and collected the details and
Moodabidri election officials have issued a notice directing that the same episode must not be staged and that the artist must be kept under suspension.

Several artists who have raised objection to the move of the EC have said that the folk art must be kept out of the political influence. Many have said that since the episode took place in Kasargod where the election code of conduct is not applicable, the move of suspension must be called back.