Devanahalli agitation to continue till July 15 after Siddaramaiah cites legal complexities

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday met farmer leaders, who are protesting against the acquisition of their fertile land to construct an aerospace park, at Vidhana Soudha on Friday. 

The farmers carried their fruit and vegetable produce, symbolising the fertility of their lands and their struggle, to the meeting. Farmers’ union representatives from Devanahalli’s Channarayapatna and surrounding villages were also present. 

In the meeting, the chief minister acknowledged the legal complexities surrounding the issue and assured them that the government would take a clear stand within ten days. However, the farmers decided to continue their protest till July 15. 

Meanwhile, at Freedom Park, social activist Mallige Sirimane said 10,000 farmers from all over the state --- from Bidar to Chamarajanagar --- had gathered.  Especially, farmers from Devanahalli, who came along with their children and the elderly, were present at Freedom Park, hoping for a positive outcome from the meeting.

More than 70 different organisations, including Dalit farmers, tribal groups, students, youth, and democratic organisations, supported the protest and were present. Students from Mount Carmel, Jain University, and St. Joseph’s were also there.

Farmer leader Ravikumar Echalamara said the farmers had a glimmer of hope after the meeting. 

He said they were initially scared because of the final notification and the prospect of their land being taken, but now they think they have moved one step ahead, or climbed a step towards saving their lands.

Retired judge Justice Gopalagowda, who was also present, pointed out similar case studies from West Bengal.

He further stated that there is a provision for a change if the government faces legal or technical complications regarding this, and he would guide them in this regard.

After the meeting, Raitha Sangha leader Badagalpura Nagendra addressed the farmers at the Freedom Park.

“We are not anti-industrialists... But why do we need a factory around Bengaluru? We have warned you to give up the unscientific development strategy,” he said. 

“(Ministers) Muniyappa and M B Patil are grabbing the land of the farmers. We have given them a clear warning. The struggle will continue,” he said.