Mysuru: Activists from farmers’, environmental, Dalit and progressive organisations staged a protest on Saturday near the proposed kambala venue at Sattagalli, opposing plans to hold the sport during Mysuru Dasara.The demonstration was organised under a joint action committee comprising Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS), Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, Parisarakkagi Naavu, Team Mysuru, and various Kannada and progressive organisations. Members of the Karnataka Rashtra Samithi Party also took part.The protest was led by AT Ramaswamy, state president of Parisarakkagi Naavu; general secretary Parashurama Gowda; Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha president Badagalapura Nagendra; and other leaders.Addressing the gathering, Badagalapura Nagendra criticised the govt’s decision to organise kambala during a drought year, calling it an anti-people move. He alleged that introducing new commercial events for financial gain was diluting the original spirit of the Mysuru Dasara festival. He also accused the govt of spending crores while farmers are in distress due to droughtFormer MLA AT Ramaswamy said sports should not be used for commercial exploitation. Claiming that there was public opposition to the proposal, he urged the govt to respect public sentiment and drop the plan to include kambala in the Dasara celebrations.Protesters raised slogans against the govt’s decision and unanimously adopted six resolutions. They said that while kambala is respected as a traditional rural sport in the coastal region, it should not be included in Mysuru Dasara celebrations.The resolutions also called for organised conduct of existing Dasara programmes, transparency in administrative activities, including distribution of passes, priority for local art forms and sports, better remuneration and respectful treatment for local artistes, and adequate relief to farmers affected by drought.Concern over Wangchuk’s healthThe protesters also expressed concern over the health of environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk, stating he has been on a 21-day hunger strike. They urged the Union govt to initiate talks with him and resolve the issue through dialogue, stressing that discussion and consultation are the essence of democracy.
