Members of Karagada Kudiyuva Neerina Yojane Horata Samiti staged a protest in Chikkamagaluru on Monday, against the State government, over an inordinate delay in the completion of the project.

A jatha (rally) which was taken out from Chikkadevenuru village on Friday, reached Chikkamagaluru on Monday. The rally passed through the main roads in the city before culminating in front of the deputy commissioner’s office.

Addressing the protest meet, Samiti leader Gurushantappa said that it had taken eight years to complete four km of the canal work.

Samiti leader B Amjad accused the elected representatives of deliberately delaying the completion of the project.

Samiti Convener Ravish Basappa warned of intensifying the protests if water was not supplied within a month.

Hasiru Sene State Convener R R Mahesh said that one should not involve in petty politics in a project meant for the supply of drinking water.

Hulikere Mutt Seer Virropakshalinga Swami called upon the farmers to exhibit unity. Birur Mutt Seer Rudramuni Swami urged the government to complete the pending work in 15 days.

Basava Madira Jayabasavanada Swami said that the farmers themselves would carry out the work if the government didn’t complete the work within the given period.

MLA Y S V Datta said that he would be with the protesters and would take partas a common citizen. “The fight of farmers will not succumb to political pressure,” he added.
Leaders K T Radhakrishna, Teguru Jagadish and Rajegowda supported the protesters.
An engineer from Small Irrigation department said the work on de-silting the canal and construction of two bridges would be completed by October.

‘Blood’ offered to DC

When protesters, instead of handing over a memorandum, handed over a bottle containing artificial blood to Incharge Deputy Commissioner Ragapriya she refused to receive the same. Later, police took away the bottle.