Rural Karnataka unites as farmers launch major agitation

Bengaluru: "They claim their guarantees will benefit farmers, but taking away our land for corporatisation is unfair”, said S Varalakshmi, General Secretary of the Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU), speaking to News Trail in Bengaluru on Wednesday. Thousands of farmers, workers, youth groups, landless and homeless families, Bagair Hukum cultivators and members of marginalised communities gathered at Freedom Park for the Bengaluru Chalo protest convention organised by Samyukta Horata Karnataka.

Participants expressed deep frustration over the anti-farmer, anti-labour and anti-people policies of the central government. They urged the state to address the key demands affecting the lives of ordinary Kannadigas. The 'Bengaluru Chalo' rally began with the symbolic burning of what they called anti-people bills.

Senior leaders from labour and farmer groups, including Prof. Babu Mathew, Ananth Subbarao, V. G. K. Nair, Michael Fernandez, Shiva nand Kugve, Abbani Shivappa, Swarna Bhatt, Nirmala, K. L. Ashok, G. R. Shivashankar, Maitreyi Krishnan, Nirvanappa, Shanmugam and Kiran Kamal Prasad, led the act to launch the protest.

Samyukta Horata Karnataka convenor Badagalapura Nagendra and member S. Varalakshmi addressed the gathering. This was followed by speeches from leaders of various farmer, labour, Dalit, student, youth, women’s and social organisations, including H. R. Basavarajappa, U. Basavaraj, Meenakshi Sundaram, Noor Sridhar, Bhagavan Reddy, Appanna, D. H. Poojar, Kalappa, Devi, and several others.

Activists and farmers resisting land acquisition in Devanahalli, Bidadi, Anekal and surrounding regions participated in large numbers. The key demands of Samyukta Horata Karnataka include the with drawal of anti-farmer and anti labour laws, revival of pro-people policies, and an end to privatisation. They seek higher minimum wages, statutory MSP, farm loan waivers, housing rights, protection of forest dwellers, and a halt to force ful land acquisitions.

The movement calls for expansion of the ration system, fair prices for crops, regulation of microfinance, stronger social security, and improved services in health, education, and public distribution. They demand safeguards for women, migrant workers, and unorganised labour, along with a mining ban.

The protest remained peaceful until 3 PM, but anger grew when ministers who had promised to visit failed to arrive. As protesters took to the streets, police erected heavy barricades around Freedom Park, creating tense moments. Calm returned after Social Wel fare Minister H. C. Mahadevappa arrived, listened to the demands and assured action.