Karnataka: Historic Victory Against Coercive Lan Acquisition in Channarayaptna

All India Kisan Sabha congratulates the farmers and workers in Karnataka for their united struggle which has forced the State Government to denotify 1,777 acres of land which was earmarked for acquisition by the then BJP led State Government. Farmers started a struggle more than 3 years ago by forming a Struggle Committee and carried out a resolute struggle defying threats and repression. The entire leadership of the KPRS and other fraternal organisations CITU, AIAWU, AIDWA played a big role in this struggle. The AIKS leadership at different times in the past more than 3 years joined the struggle at Channarayapatna. The unity of all class and mass organisations, Dalit organisations in Karnataka under the banner of the Samyukta Horata, Karnataka was the decisive factor in ensuring such a great victory. We remember today the leadership and coordinating role of late comrade G.C.Bayyareddy, former State President of Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha in this struggle.

It is to be noted that the erstwhile BJP Government was facilitating corporate take-over of fertile multi-cropped land in the vicinity of the Bangalore International Airport at the behest of real estate mafia and builders. The farmers of 13 villages built a resistance and resisted efforts by the then BJP Government and certain ministers in the present Congress Government to divide the unity by proposing that 3 villages will be left out of acquisition. The rock-solid unity was met with repression. On 26th June, 2025 police launched a brutal assault on peaceful protestors and many were arrested. There was an immediate response across the State against police brutality with widespread protests. Writers, artistes, civil society groups also came out 8in solidarity with the farmers. The Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called for talks even as thousands under the banner of Samyukta Horata, Karnataka protested at Freedom Park. The leaders of Samyukta Kisan Morcha including AIKS General Secretary Vijoo Krishnan, Darshan Pal, Rakesh Tikait, Yudhvir Singh and Sunilam took part in the protests. The Chief Minister immediately halted acquisition proceedings and today has denotified the 1,777 acres of land, freeing it of the threat of acquisition. AIKS notes the positive decision by the Chief Minister, though after a prolonged struggle.

This victory has important portents for the peasant movement in the country that has been fighting against forcible land acquisition. Importantly, the struggle was not for enhanced compensation; it was against forcible acquisition of agricultural land for real estate purposes. It will inspire struggles going on in thousands of places across India. AIKS calls upon all to widely disseminate information of this historic struggle and celebrate the great victory. AIKS will stand resolutely with the Samyukta Horata Karnataka and Samyukta Kisan Morcha in all such future struggles.

Sd/-

Ashok Dhawale

President

Vijoo Krishnan

General Secretary