Mandya: Union minister HD Kumaraswamy visited Gejjalagere village in Maddur taluk on Saturday to extend support to residents opposing the proposed upgrade of the Gejjalagere GP into the Maddur City Municipality.The protest, which has entered 69th day, reflects strong local resistance to the merger into the urban body.
Kumaraswamy was accompanied by former minister D C Thammanna, JD(S) MLC Vivekananda, and farmer leader Sunanda Jayaram.Addressing the gathering, the former CM apologised for his delayed visit and praised the village’s historical and cultural legacy. He criticised local representatives for allegedly pursuing the merger despite public opposition, stating that leaders who disregard the will of the people forfeit their moral authority. Urging the state govt to reconsider and withdraw the cabinet decision, Kumaraswamy said he conveyed to urban development department officials that local opinion must take precedence over top-down directives. He also said that he would stand firmly with the villagers’ struggle.On industrial development in Mandya, Kumaraswamy responded to remarks by Karnataka industries minister M B Patil, emphasising that genuine industrial growth requires infrastructure support from KIADB rather than mere announcements of available land. He stated that he has written to the chief minister seeking cooperation to establish a factory under his ministry and asserted that if infrastructure is provided, groundwork could begin immediately.
