K’taka: Farmers, Dalit outfits call for statewide rallies on Oct 23 against SIR
Bengaluru, Oct 19 (IANS) Farmers’ and Dalit organisations in Karnataka have called for statewide protests on October 23 against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, alleging irregularities in the process and announcing plans to hold public rallies at district headquarters to protect democracy.
The organisations made the announcement at a press conference in Bengaluru, declaring their support for the campaign against the SIR process and calling for demonstrations modelled on the protests held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.
Actor and activist Prakash Raj, who addressed the press conference, said farmers’ and Dalit organisations would join the movement against SIR, with rallies planned across Karnataka on October 23, a Friday.
He condemned the alleged restrictions on protests in Delhi, claiming that Jantar Mantar had been effectively closed to demonstrators and that the national capital was being turned into a police city.
He also alleged that young people and women journalists had faced police brutality during protests and accused the government of remaining silent despite the alleged mistreatment of young demonstrators.
Prakash Raj said young people across the country had taken to the streets to raise concerns over the education system and other issues, adding that the campaign against SIR had also gained momentum.
He alleged that protesters in Delhi were being prevented from reaching Jantar Mantar and claimed that 30,000 personnel had been deployed to stop the demonstrations. He further alleged that people released from jail had been armed with batons to attack protesters and that demonstrators were not even being allowed to march while holding the national flag.
Recalling the farmers’ protests against the Centre’s farm laws, Prakash Raj said the government had earlier used tear gas against farmers but was eventually forced to withdraw several laws following sustained protests.
“People are fed up with your misrule. Farmers will return to the streets,” he warned.
Farmer leader Badagalapura Nagendra, who also addressed the press conference, alleged that political considerations had influenced the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and demanded a transparent and impartial selection process.
He called on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign and demanded the immediate cancellation of the SIR process.
Questioning the restrictions on protests at Jantar Mantar, Nagendra asked where people could raise their voices if the government continued to adopt what he described as anti-people policies.
He said farmers, Dalit organisations and progressive groups would unite to protest against the Centre’s actions across Karnataka.
Nagendra added that demonstrations modelled on the Jantar Mantar protests would be organised in every district and village to oppose the SIR process and defend democratic rights.
–IANS
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