Bengaluru, 14 July

At a press conference on Monday, Eddelu Karnataka and actor-activist Prakash Raj urged the Karnataka government to abandon its proposed land acquisition in Channarayapatna hobli, Devanahalli. The plan aims to acquire over 1,700 acres for a hi-tech Defence and Aerospace Park, which has been opposed by farmers protesting for over 1,180 days.

Prakash Raj, along with Eddelu Karnataka leaders, criticised the Congress government for continuing BJP-era policies. They warned that if the government prioritises corporate interests over farmers, it would be a serious betrayal of public trust.

They accused the Congress of failing to repeal anti-farmer and anti-labour laws like the Land Reform Act, APMC Amendment Act, and the four labour codes. The government also drew criticism for neglecting issues concerning Bagar Hukum farmers, forest dwellers, Dalit land protection under PTCL, minority safety, SC/ST welfare funds, and internal reservations.

Eddelu Karnataka stressed that the Devanahalli struggle represents wider public anger over Congress’s failure to fulfil promises beyond the five guarantees.