Prakash Raj takes dig at govt approach, demands rollback

The 'non-believer' and activists slam the land acquisition proposal; farmers await the CM’s final decision in meeting today

Bengaluru: They call themselves farmers' children and don’t support them,” said actor Prakash Raj at a press conference held in Bengaluru on Monday, sharply criticising the government’s ap proach to the Devanahalli land acquisition. The event brought together activists and farmers, including Tara Rao, Yusuf Kanni, Rev. Fr. Manohar Chandra Prasad, K.L. Ashok, N. Ven katesh and J.M. Veerasanghaiah.

They voiced their stance supporting farmers who are resisting the government’s plan to acquire over 1,700 acres of farmland in Channarayapatna hobli, Devana halli taluk, for an industrial park. Speakers urged the government to withdraw the project, warning it would not only threaten livelihoods and food security but also have serious environmental consequences.

On June 25, farmers organised a large “Devanahalli Chalo” rally, which was met with police action. In response, they began an indefinite “Bhoomi Satyagraha” at Freedom Park in Bengaluru, demonstrat ing their firm opposition to the project. Despite these sustained protests, the government has yet to commit to cancelling the acquisition.

On July 4, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah met with a delegation of farmers, acknowledg ing their concerns and requesting an additional 10 days to review the legal complexities, given that a final notification was issued in April 2025. Prakash voiced his disappoint ment, “No MLAs are speaking up about this. If they had shown their support by raising their voices, it would have strengthened our position and given the issue much more weight and legitimacy.”

This silence highlights the deep disappointment among farmers, activists, and organisations over the Congress party’s reversal of its stance. While in opposition, it made assurances, but now in power, the chief minister has seemingly failed to keep his word. What was once an isolated issue has come to symbolise the mounting public anger over the government’s unfulfilled promises and policies seen as anti-people.

Many are left wondering if 'BJP style rule' continues under a Congress banner. Tara Rao of Eddelu, Karnataka, emphasised that civil society has a fundamental responsibility to hold elected governments ac countable.

“This issue has strong appeal and representation by a range of people’s movements. This government cannot continue on the path of self-interest. Let’s get back on script,” she urged, demanding a restoration of depleted public trust. Prakash also raised concerns about suspicious narratives emerging around the land acquisition. “We believed the government until now, but it is high time they cancelled this project,” he said.

 “If you build on every inch of farmland, what will we eat? Where is the food security?” he stressed, highlighting the environmental and food security implications of the proposed industrial park. The government’s offer of ?3.5 crore per acre was sharply ques tioned, with activists pointing to possible middleman involvement.

The panel called on the media to deepen investigations into these compensation deals rather than settle for surface-level coverage.

“We will fight and be their voice. We will not oppose those who wish to sell, but don’t question why some voices are rising now. This is a collective campaign built over the years,” J.M. Veerasanghaiah, KRRS State Secretary, reiterated, expressing support for farmers who want to retain their land.

Farmers have made a final appeal to CM Siddaramaiah, urging him to avoid repeating past mis takes regarding the Devanahalli land acquisition. The farming community remains steadfast in its demand: stop the project entirely and return the land to its original owners.