ITI workers' protest marks 1000 days, struggle continues
Bengaluru: The ongoing protest by ITI employees against the illegal dismissal of 80 workers by ITI Limited Management on December 1, 2021, reached a significant milestone on August 27, completing 1000 days and entering the 1001st day.
The workers, who were terminated allegedly for organizing and demanding their rights, have been staging a continuous sit-in near the ITI factory located in K.R. Puram, Bengaluru. The protest has become one of the longest-running workers' struggles in Karnataka.
Despite a settlement reached between the management and the union on March 17, 2022, which promised the immediate reinstatement of 35 workers and the later rehiring of the remaining 45, the ITI Board has reportedly failed to honor the agreement. As a result, the workers continue to fight for their jobs.
AICCT Secretary Appanna, who has been part of the protest since its inception, criticised ITI for neglecting workers' rights, labeling it as a disgrace. He reaffirmed that the struggle would persist until justice is served. Meanwhile, Dasamsa President Muninanjappa highlighted the protest's impact, stating that it has inspired workers across the state to challenge anti-labor policies. The President of the BBMP Civil Servants Association, Nirmala, also participated in the protest, expressing solidarity with the workers.
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Karnataka bypolls: Over 60 per cent voter turnout in Bagalkot, Davanagere South till 5 pm
Bengaluru (PTI): Over 60 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 5 pm in both Assembly constituencies in Karnataka, where bypolls were held on Thursday.
While the turnout in Bagalkot was 65.68 per cent, it was 63.04 per cent in Davanagere South.
While the ruling Congress faces the challenge of retaining both seats, the BJP aims to wrest them and deliver a setback to its rival, which is currently witnessing an "internal power struggle" over leadership.
The bypolls were necessitated due to the demise of senior Congress MLAs H Y Meti (Bagalkot) and Shamanur Shivashankarappa (Davanagere South).
A total of over 2.59 lakh eligible voters are expected to cast their votes at around 319 polling stations in Bagalkot, where nine candidates are in the fray.
In Davanagere South, over 2.31 lakh eligible voters are expected to vote across 284 polling stations, with 25 candidates contesting.
The BJP has fielded former MLA and 2023 defeated candidate Veerabhadrayya Charantimath from Bagalkot, and a fresh face, Srinivas T Dasakariyappa, from Davanagere South.
The Congress has given tickets to family members of the late legislators in both constituencies. Bagalkot candidate Umesh Meti is the son of H Y Meti, while Samarth Mallikarjun from Davanagere South is the grandson of Shamanur Shivashankarappa.
