Mahadayi too one among 'Delhi Chalo' issues, says Anna Hazare

Noted anti-corruption crusader Anna Hazare stated that a united voice on all river-linking and river water sharing issues, including Mahadayi water sharing dispute, would be raised during his agitation to be launched in Delhi on March 23.

"Farmers of all river basins are invited for the 'Delhi Chalo' on March 23, and water conservation expert Rajendra Singh has assured to bring them all," he said.

Addressing a public meeting organised by Bhrishtachar Virodhi Janandolan Trust, at Nehru Stadium here on Thursday evening, he called upon the people to be ready to go to jail for getting their rights on water, as going to jail for the society and the country is a matter of pride.

Violence is not Satyagraha, and therefore, agitators should not indulge in violence. In 2012, the movement of Lokpal received overwhelming response, but it was a non-violent movement. Those who are running the government are among ourselves, and they are not Pakistan, Mr Hazare noted.

'Pro-industrialist govt'

Initially, the present government at the Centre looked like it would do something for the farmers, but it neither spoke anything about farmers nor did anything for them. River water meant for farmers is being given to industrialists. This government is more concerned about industrialists and not about farmers, Mr Anna Hazare charged.

In last 22 years, 12 lakh farmers have committed suicide in our agri-based country. Farmers should not commit suicide, but should fight to get their rights. Farmers are not getting scientific price for their crops. I have urged the prime minister to fix support price for crops, which should be 50% more than the cost of production, he said.

Dr Swaminathan Commission recommendations should be implemented, while farmers aged above 60 years should be given Rs 5,000 monthly pension, he noted.

Explaining his simple lifestyle, selflessness, dedication to social service and impact of his agitation, Mr Hazare expressed his wish to breath his last while serving the society and the country. Lakhs of people have sacrificed their lives for the freedom of this country, and not to allow corruption.

He asked people give a missed call on 8890 69688, to join the agitation and get information about farmers' issues.

'Corruption in Mutts'

Sri Nijagunananda Swamiji of Bailuru lamented that corruption is there in Mutts also, and bribe has to be given to become the seer of a big Mutt. Seers want money for their Mutts, but they do not ask how that money is earned, he said.

Several seers are controlled by capitalists and politicians, and such seers cannot bring change in the society. Education sector is also full of capitalists, he added.

Sri Basavajayamruthyunjaya Swamiji of Koodalasangam lamented that political parties are misusing farmers' organisations that lack co-ordination, and therefore farmers' problems are still alive. Prime Minister Narendra can resolve Mahadayi dispute, but he is maintaining silence, the seer lamented.

Malaprabha, Mahadayi, Kalasa-Banduri Raitha Horata Okkuta members submitted a memorandum to Mr Anna Hazare, urging to bring the issue of need for speedy settlement of Mahadayi dispute out of the tribunal to divert 7.56 TMC feet of water from Mahadayi basin to Malaprabha, to the notice of Goa chief minister and the prime minister.

Earlier, Mr Anna Hazare was taken in a procession on an open jeep, along with a bike rally. He also paid respect to Kittur Chennamma and Sangolli Rayanna statues.