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Key Points

Former minister Sogadu Shivanna was detained during a hunger strike against FIRs filed on farmers protesting the Hemavati Link Express Canal Project. As head of the opposing committee, Shivanna emphasized the importance of government listening to agricultural concerns. Despite police detaining Shivanna, along with his supporters, Karnataka BJP insists the project must pause within a month or face opposition. Meanwhile, the state government remains resolute in moving forward, igniting tensions across political and farming communities.

Key Points: Sogadu Shivanna Protests Hemavati Canal Project Detention Sparks Tension

  • Sogadu Shivanna detained during hunger strike against FIRs on farmers
  • Shivanna urges government to heed farmers' voices on Hemavati Canal
  • BJP opposes project, declaring a month's deadline to halt it
  • State insists on proceeding despite protests and political opposition
2 min read

Hemavati Express canal row: Former minister launches indefinite hunger strike, detained

Sogadu Shivanna's hunger strike over Hemavati Canal leads to detention amid farmer protests.

"It's a murder of democracy. - Sogadu Shivanna"

Tumakuru, June 3

Former minister Sogadu Shivanna has been taken into police custody while staging an indefinite hunger strike inside the premises of the Tumakuru District Deputy Commissioner's office, protesting against the filing of FIRs against farmers who agitated against the Hemavati Link Express Canal Project.

Sogadu Shivanna is also the President of the Hemavati Express Link Canal Opposition Committee. Shivanna sat for a dharna demanding the immediate withdrawal of FIRs filed against farmers and agitators for staging a massive protest, forcing the government to temporarily halt the project. Shivanna urged that the government should listen to the farmers who are opposing the project.

The police sleuths arrived at the spot and picked up the supporters of Sogadu Shivanna who sat with him on the floor. The police dragged them out, and the police lifted Sogadu Shivanna from where he sat and carried him away to an undisclosed location in their vehicle.

The police had earlier arrested Sogadu Shivanna on May 30 when he was planning a protest in front of the residence of Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara in Tumakuru, opposing the project. Shivanna had made a video and alleged that it's a “murder of democracy”. He also claimed that he is ready to sacrifice his life for the water of the Hemavati River.

The police have booked FIRs against more than 100 persons, including the three sitting MLAs and agitators. The BJP has given a month's deadline to halt the project and warned that they won't let the project take off at any cost. However, the state government in the state has maintained that it will go ahead with the project.

Condemning the Karnataka government’s decision to go ahead with the Hemavati Express Canal Link Project despite stiff resistance from farmers, the Karnataka BJP has alleged that it is impossible to “suppress” the protest against it.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 5 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
This is pure hooliganism by the government! Farmers are the backbone of our nation and arresting them for protesting is unacceptable. Water is life - if farmers say this project will affect their livelihood, the government must listen. 👎
P
Priya M.
While I support farmers' rights, we must also consider infrastructure development. Karnataka needs better water management. Maybe a middle path can be found where farmers' concerns are addressed while still implementing the project with modifications?
V
Vikram S.
Why is BJP suddenly supporting farmers when they were in power for so many years? This looks like political drama before elections. Both parties are using farmers as pawns. Shameful!
A
Ananya R.
The way police handled this is concerning. Dragging away peaceful protestors? This isn't the India we want. There must be better ways to handle dissent. Hope the courts take note of this high-handedness.
S
Sanjay T.
As someone from Tumakuru, I can say the Hemavati water issue is very sensitive here. Many farmers depend on it. Government should conduct proper public consultations instead of forcing projects down people's throats. Jai Kisan! 🙏

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