Govt withdraws entire land acquisition process in Devanahalli: CM Siddaramaiah
Bengaluru: In a major announcement amid ongoing farmer protests, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Monday declared that the government has decided to completely withdraw the land acquisition process in Devanahalli taluk’s Channarayapatna and surrounding villages.
Speaking at a high-level meeting with government officials and farmer representatives at Vidhana Soudha, followed by a press conference, Siddaramaiah clarified: “The government has decided to completely abandon the land acquisition process. However, some farmers have voluntarily expressed willingness to part with their land. The government will acquire only such land and provide them higher compensation and developed plots in return.”
Siddaramaiah added that willing landowners will be offered compensation higher than the standard guideline value, and those wishing to continue agricultural activities can do so without interference. He emphasised the strategic location of Devanahalli near Bengaluru and the airport, noting the importance of industrial development for increasing incomes across the state.
“For economic development, we need land to establish industries. It is the government’s duty to facilitate this while also respecting the rights of landowners,” he said.
The CM reiterated that no other land in the region will be acquired without farmers’ consent, and praised the democratic protests that led to this decision.
“Such large-scale protests against land acquisition have not been seen before. The land is fertile and crucial for farmers. We have listened to them,” he said.
Notably, the proposed acquisition of 1,777 acres in Devanahalli was intended for a major aerospace park. Siddaramaiah acknowledged the project but stated the government is willing to let it go elsewhere if it means protecting farmers’ rights.
“Even if the industry relocates, the government will stand with farmers,” he affirmed.
Actor and activist Prakash Raj, present at the event, lauded the CM’s stance: “Siddaramaiah has shown that social justice is not just in words but in action.”
Ministers M.B. Patil, K.H. Muniyappa, H.K. Patil, Krishna Byre Gowda, Priyank Kharge, Byrathi Suresh, CM’s political secretary Naseer Ahmed, legal advisor Ponnanna, Advocate General Shashikiran Shetty, and several farmer representatives were present at the meeting.
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Allen, Raghuvanshi, Green power KKR to 29-run win over GT
Kolkata (PTI): Finn Allen blasted a 35-ball 93, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi hit an unbeaten 44-ball 82 as Kolkata Knight Riders kept their playoff hopes alive with a 29-run win over Gujarat Titans in the IPL match here on Saturday.
Sent in to bat, Allen went on a six-hitting spree, smashing 10 maximums and four boundaries to add 95 off 41 balls with Raghuvanshi (82).
Raghuvanshi then shared another 108 off 53 balls with Cameron Green (52 not out) to power KKR to a challenging 247 for 2.
In reply, GT could manage 218-4, riding on skipper Shubman Gill's 49-ball 85 and a 35-ball 57 from Jos Buttler. Opener Sai Sudarsan was retired hurt but returned to make a 28-ball 53 not out.
Sunil Narine (2/29) claimed two wickets and Saurabh Dubey snapped one for KKR.
For GT, Mohammed Siraj (1/50), Sai Kishore (1/38) were the wicket-takers.
Brief Score:
KKR: 247 for 2 in 20 overs (Finn Allen 93, Angkrish Raghuvanshi 82 not out, Camero Green 52 not out; Mohammed Siraj 1/50).
GT: 218 for 4 in 20 overs (Shubman Gill 85, Sunil Narine 2/29).
