Series of protests in city

Members of several organisations and employees' unions staged protests in the city, pressing for their demands on Thursday.

The members of Rajya Bharat Mata Building Construction Association staged a protest near the deputy commissioner's office, demanding housing facility. They raised slogans against the state government, alleging that the funds released for the construction of houses have not reached the beneficiaries.

They demanded identity cards for all construction workers. Association president G Siddaraju led the protest.

The members of Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) All Union and Associations, Mysuru Telecom District, staged a protest against the Union government, demanding strengthening of the BSNL.

The employees, who gathered at Matrumandali Circle, alleged that state-run enterprises were under threat of closure and hence the government should take immediate measures to strengthen them. The employees also alleged that the Union government has failed to implement the recommendations of the Third Pay Commission.

The employees said that the government has planned to establish a company to maintain mobile towers. This will benefit private companies, they alleged. The employees also demanded free 4G Internet services to all BSNL customers. M Mahadevappa led the protest.

Members of Maharana Pratap Singh Rajput Kshatriya Samaj staged a protest against Sanjay Leela Bhansali's film 'Padmavati' and urged the government not to allow screening of the movie in Karnataka.

The members, who gathered in front of Kote Anjaneya Swamy temple, took out a protest march till deputy commissioner's office. They raised slogans against the movie director. The film contains scenes that hurt public sentiments and also defames queen Padmavathi, they said.

"Padmavathi was a brave lady and we welcome a movie on her. But, in the movie she has been portrayed badly, which hurts people," they said and demanded the state government not to allow the director to release the movie.

Association president Sathyanarayan Singh, leaders Dr B Gopal Singh, Manjunath Singh, and advocate C V Keshavamurthy were present.