Farmers stage black flag protest against Karnataka CM in Mandya
Several protesters were taken into police custody after gathering near the Sir M Visvesvaraya statue to demand sugarcane prices and school protections.
Farmers under the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha banner staged a black flag protest against Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar in Mandya on Saturday. The protesters gathered near the Sir M Visvesvaraya statue to demand fair prices for sugarcane, protection for government schools, and equal education.
Police attempted to pacify the group, with SP Shobharani trying to convince the farmers. However, the efforts failed and the protesting farmers were taken into custody and shifted in a bus.
Chief Minister DK Shivakumar arrived at the PET ground by helicopter, accompanied by Minister N Chaluvarayaswamy. He received a guard of honour from the police and later heard grievances from farmers and activists at the PES College premises.
Speaking at the helipad, the Chief Minister said the Mekedatu project is being started for the benefit of Mandya people. He stated that the Supreme Court has permitted the project and a committee headed by the Deputy Commissioner has been formed.
The Chief Minister said the project will help in storing water and complying with orders to release 177 TMC water to Tamil Nadu. He added that they have requested to take an all-party delegation to the Centre.
Responding to allegations by Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy regarding land for an ARAI unit, the Chief Minister said the state will definitely give the land. He stated that Mandya MLA Ravi had announced land would be given and denied claims that the state is not cooperating.