Farmers and Dalit Groups Mobilize Against Special Intensive Revision in Karnataka

Bengaluru, October 19 (Daily Kiran) : In Bengaluru, farmers and Dalit organizations have announced a statewide protest on October 23 against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voter list. They allege irregularities in the process and plan to hold rallies at district headquarters to defend democracy.

During a press conference in Bengaluru, the groups expressed their support for the campaign against the SIR process. They called for demonstrations similar to those held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

Actor and activist Prakash Raj addressed the press, stating that both farmers and Dalit organizations would participate in the protests scheduled across Karnataka. He criticized the restrictions imposed on protests in Delhi, claiming that Jantar Mantar has effectively been closed to demonstrators, turning the national capital into a “police city.”

Raj further alleged that during recent protests, youth and female journalists faced police brutality, and he accused the government of remaining silent despite the mistreatment of young protesters. He noted that across the country, young people are taking to the streets over educational issues, and the movement against the SIR is gaining momentum.

He claimed that demonstrators are being blocked from reaching Jantar Mantar and that 30,000 police officers have been deployed to suppress protests. He also alleged that individuals released from jail are being armed with sticks to attack protesters, who are being denied the right to march with the national flag.

Recalling the previous farmer protests against the central government’s agricultural laws, Raj mentioned that the government had initially used tear gas against farmers but was eventually compelled to withdraw several laws due to persistent demonstrations.

He warned, “People are fed up with your misgovernance. Farmers will take to the streets again.”

Farmer leader Badagalapura Nagendra accused the Chief Election Commissioner of political bias in appointments and demanded a transparent and fair selection process. He called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and urged an immediate cancellation of the SIR process.

Nagendra questioned the restrictions on protests at Jantar Mantar, asking where citizens could voice their concerns if the government continues to adopt anti-people policies. He stated that farmers, Dalit organizations, and progressive groups would unite for protests across Karnataka against these actions.

He further announced that demonstrations would be organized in every district and village to oppose the SIR process and protect democratic rights, following the model of the protests at Jantar Mantar.