Now Reading: Karnataka farmers, workers protest against land acquisition and pro-corporate policies
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Karnataka farmers, workers protest against land acquisition and pro-corporate policies
Karnataka farmers, workers protest against land acquisition and pro-corporate policies
Farmers and workers across Karnataka staged protests on Monday against land acquisition and pro-corporate policies, with tensions in Mandya leading to police detentions. In Mandya, members of CITU and farmers' organisations blocked…
The Story in Brief
Farmers and workers across Karnataka staged protests on Monday against land acquisition and pro-corporate policies, with tensions in Mandya leading to police detentions. In Mandya, members of CITU and farmers' organisations blocked the old Mysuru-Bengaluru highway, demanding withdrawal of labour laws and opposing the Bidadi township project, which they allege will forcibly acquire fertile farmland. Police detained several protesters, including women, to clear the road.
Parallel protests occurred in Raichur, Hosapete, Koppal, Dharwad and Kanakapura. In Dharwad, farmers opposed KIADB's acquisition of fertile land for the Suvarna Karnataka Corridor project. In Kanakapura, a farmers' group protested the lack of progress on the Mekedatu project. Protesters in Raichur, Hosapete and Koppal demanded implementation of revised minimum wages, end to forced land acquisition, and withdrawal of four labour codes.
The Indian Opinion
Karnataka's ruling Congress promised farmer-friendly policies, but these protests show the gap between rhetoric and delivery. The Mekedatu project languishes, the Bidadi township looms, and KIADB continues acquiring fertile land across the state. The narrative that only the Centre is pro-corporate is one-sided, state-level boards and projects are equally responsible for farmer distress. The real test is not in protest slogans but in whether the government will put a moratorium on acquiring irrigated farmland and publish a district-wise inventory of barren land available for industry. Will it?
Sources (4): deccanherald.com, deccanherald.com (2), deccanherald.com (3), siasat.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 4 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 4 sources.
