Devanahalli protests: CM to meet delegation again on July 15

Bengaluru: Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday postponed a decision on the acquisition of 1,777 acres of farmers' land in Devanahalli Taluk to July 15 citing legal hurdles.

Siddaramaiah met a delegation of 25 leaders including multilingual actor Prakash Raj, senior journalist-activist Indudhara Honnapura, some farmers and leaders of Channarayapatna land acquisition protest committee.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting in Vidhana Soudha, the chief minister said: "We are with the farmers but there are some legal issues since a final notification has already been made. To study the matter further, we have asked for 10 days time."

"At 11 am on July 15, I will again meet the farmers and decide on the issue."

Rajya Raitha Sangha leader Badagalapura Nagendra expressed optimism after the meeting.

"Govt has understood our intent. They are studying the legal implications. They have also declared that they are 'pro-farmer.' We have won in the fight against land acquisition. We will not let it it go. We have confidence in Siddaramaiah."

Recalling that the Congress, which was in opposition in 2022 when the BJP government had decided to acquire lands, Prakash Raj said: "The earlier government had made an injury. This govt, which said it would cure it, is also causing an injury."

He said the movement was no longer confined to Devanahalli, adding that it had become a "state and national-level issue."

When asked if the protest would continue following the discussion, Prakash Raj said "there may not be any need for the movement from now on."

Multiple leaders who met the CM told DH that a final decision on the struggle would be taken after consulting farmers. However, the protest is likely to continue till the next meeting on July 15.