Farmers’ Protest Intensifies as Karnataka CM Seeks 10 Days to Resolve Land Acquisition Dispute
Bengaluru, July 4, 2025 – Farmers in Karnataka’s Channarayapatna hobli have vowed to escalate their 1,188-day-long protest if the state government fails to cancel the contentious land acquisition process in thirteen villages. The warning came after a high-stakes meeting between protest leaders and Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who sought an additional 10 days to examine legal hurdles in scrapping the acquisition.
The agitation, backed by the Channarayapatna Land Acquisition Resistance Struggle Committee, Samyukta Horata-Karnataka, and various farmers’, labor, Dalit, student, and women’s organizations, gained momentum after police crackdowns during the ‘Devanahalli Chalo’ march on June 25. Since June 27, protesters have staged a continuous sit-in at Bengaluru’s Freedom Park, drawing statewide attention.
Chief Minister Seeks Time Amid Legal Challenges
During Thursday’s meeting, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah acknowledged the farmers’ demands but cited legal complications, as the final acquisition notification had already been issued. “The government needs time to explore solutions within the legal framework,” he told the delegation, which included representatives from the Struggle Committee and allied groups.
The protesters reluctantly agreed to the 10-day window, with the next meeting scheduled for July 15. However, they made it clear that their stance remains unchanged. “Our land is our right—we will not surrender it to corporations, no matter how long the fight takes,” said a farmer leader present at the talks.
Warning of Escalated Protests
If the government fails to cancel the acquisition by the next meeting, protest leaders have threatened to intensify demonstrations. “This movement has already spread from villages to district centers and now to Bengaluru. If justice is denied, we will take it to the national stage with the support of Samyukta Kisan Morcha,” a Struggle Committee spokesperson warned.
In the interim, activists plan to mobilize support by holding village meetings across the thirteen affected villages and erecting signboards declaring “Our Land, Our Right—No Surrender.” Additionally, the protestors will join the nationwide workers’ strike on July 9, integrating their demands into the broader labor movement.
A Struggle Rooted in Resistance
The Channarayapatna protest reflects growing rural dissent against forced land acquisitions for industrial projects. Farmers argue that the government’s move threatens their livelihoods and violates their rights. With the July 15 deadline looming, all eyes are on the state administration’s next move—one that could either defuse tensions or spark a larger confrontation.
“We have waited for three years. We can wait ten more days, but not a day longer if the government betrays us again,” said a veteran activist as the protest at Freedom Park continued into the night.
As the standoff persists, Karnataka’s handling of this crisis could set a precedent for land rights battles across the country.
Key Quotes:
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Farmer Leader: “We have fought for 1,188 days, and we won’t back down. The government must cancel this illegal land grab—no more delays.”
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Struggle Committee Spokesperson: “If the CM doesn’t act by July 15, this protest will spread beyond Karnataka. We have the support of national farmers’ unions.”
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Women Activist at Protest: “They want to take our fields, our homes. But we will resist—this land feeds our children, we won’t let corporations steal it.”
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Senior Protest Organizer: “The police lathi-charged us in Devanahalli, but brutality won’t silence us. This movement will only grow louder.”
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Local Farmer: “They say it’s for ‘development,’ but whose development? We lose everything while politicians and builders profit.”
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