Goa, Nov. 4 -- Kannadiga organisations in Goa have called on political parties to stop addressing them as 'Ghanti' and denounced what they described as 'anti-migrant and divisive' politics.

Speaking during the Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations in Sancoale, attended by former Karnataka Minister Basangouda Patil Yatnal, Kannada Sahitya Parishad president Siddhanna Meti emphasised that the community has long been an integral part of Goa's social fabric.

"Many of us were born and brought up in Goa and are registered voters here. I am 53 years old, born here, educated here, and working here - so why should we still be labelled as 'Ghantis'? We are like brothers and sisters," Meti said.

He added, "We are not the same old people cleaning gutter...