Mysuru: Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj threatens Karnataka bandh over eviction of footpath vendors
Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj on Monday (July 13) threatened to call for a Karnataka bandh if the State government does not halt its eviction drive
Kannada activist Vatal Nagaraj on Monday (July 13) threatened to call for a Karnataka bandh if the State government does not halt its eviction drive against footpath vendors. Addressing reporters in Mysuru, Mr. Nagaraj alleged that the government led by Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had begun “oppressing the poor” soon after assuming office by evicting street vendors across the State. Condemning the drive, he said the affected vendors — many of whom sell vegetables, fruits, groundnuts and other items — depend on such livelihoods to support their families. He alleged that evictions were being carried out without prior notice in Bengaluru, Mysuru, Tumakuru and other parts of Karnataka.
Nagaraj also criticised those who have welcomed the eviction exercise, stating that they fail to understand the hardships faced by the urban poor. He urged the government to prioritise civic issues such as garbage clearance in Bengaluru rather than targeting footpath vendors. He further claimed that vendors have collectively suffered losses of nearly ₹3,000 crore due to the ongoing drive. He also took aim at Opposition parties for remaining silent on the issue even though a large number of footpath vendors are facing the heat of the government’s “highhandedness”. Call for simple Dasara Opposing a grand celebration of Mysuru Dasara in view of prevailing drought conditions, Mr. Nagaraj said a modest observance would be more appropriate this year.
“With insufficient rainfall, agricultural output will be affected and farmers will struggle to repay loans. Under such circumstances, a simple Dasara is enough,” he said. He also objected to the ₹2,000 fee for special “quick darshan” at the Chamundeshwari Temple, and criticised the proposal to organise kambala (slush-track buffalo racing) during the Dasara festivities. Further, he expressed displeasure over the inclusion of songs in “languages of other States” during Yuva Dasara, arguing that local talent should be prioritised instead of spending large sums on external performers. He cautioned the government against making the festival ostentatious. Tribute to S.
Janaki Nagaraj paid tributes to veteran playback singer S. Janaki, who passed away in Mysuru recently, and urged the State government to construct a memorial in her honour. Noting that she had sung over 42,000 songs in multiple languages, he said it was significant that she chose Mysuru as her final resting place. He added that he would visit Kaniyanahundi near Mysuru, where she was cremated, later this week.
The BriefWire