Farmer protests in Chamrajnagar intensifies, highway blocked, police detain protesters
Chamrajnagar: In the backdrop of the Supreme court’s order to release Kaveri water to Tamil Nadu, the members of the Sugarcane Growers Association launched a protest in the city condemning the order. The protest which escalated led to the blockade of the highway near Somwarpet and leading to several detentions.
The protestors who gathered near the city’s tourist home, proceeded towards Somwarpet blocking the highway. Expressing agitation, they set fire to tires and shouted slogans against Tamil Nadu and state governments, leading the Police to detain the protesters.
Sugarcane growers association President Halkerehundi Bhagyaraj criticized the Supreme Court's verdict and termed it as condemnable, he further stated that, “There are even instances where former Chief Minister Bangarappa opposed the Supreme Court verdict. On this basis currently Karnataka should not discharge even one liter of water to Tamil Nadu even if the United Nations (UN) orders the state to release water.”
“Is it appropriate to order Karnataka to release water to Tamil Nadu when the state is grappling with drinking water scarcity? The state government must consider halting the water discharge to Tamil Nadu in any manner. If water is released, there will be disruptions such as blocking Tamil Nadu cinemas and vehicles from entering Karnataka. Water should not have been released to Tamil Nadu as per the all party policy. Failing which,” Bhagyaraj warned of violent protests in future.
Hali Nagaraju, Mahendra, Praveen, Doddaguru, Gurumallappa, Harisuthana Raju, Siddharaju, Basavarajappa, Nandish, Ravi, and several others joined the protest.
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Chandrashekhar Swamiji apologises for remark on denying voting rights to Muslims
"If my statement has upset our Muslim brothers, I deeply regret it."
Bengaluru: Kumara Chandrashekharanath Swamiji, head of the Vishva Okkaliga Mahasansthana Mutt, has expressed regret over his controversial statement suggesting that "Muslims should be denied voting rights."
In a press release, Swamiji clarified, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
He further added, "Okkaligas are inherently tolerant of all religions. We have always treated people of every faith equally. Our Mutt maintains cordial relations with Muslims, and they frequently visit us. Similarly, we attend their weddings and other joyous occasions. Hence, there is no intolerance towards this community." Swamiji appealed to the public to disregard the controversy surrounding his remark.
The controversial statement was made during a farmers' rally, ‘Raita Gharjana,’ organised by the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, Karnataka Pradesh, at Freedom Park, Bengaluru, on Tuesday. Addressing the gathering, Swamiji had said, "A law should be enacted to deny voting rights to the Muslim community, and the Wakf Board should be abolished."
The remark drew widespread criticism from political leaders and the public alike. Following the backlash, Swamiji issued his apology, stating, "Muslims are also citizens of this country. Like everyone else, they too have voting rights. If my statement yesterday has caused discomfort to our Muslim brothers, I sincerely apologise for it."
