Karnataka - Bangalore   

Seers join protest

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: The protests against the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal gained a new impetus on Monday with prominent religious leaders in Bangalore supporting the agitation.

Participating in a signature campaign launched by Ganesh Mandir Vibagh Nagarika Vedike, Sri Vishvesha Tirtha Swamiji of Pejawar Math and Sri Balagangadharanath Swamiji of Adi Chunchanagiri Math urged President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to intervene in the matter.

The Pejawar seer, who kicked off the campaign by signing on a huge canvas near the Banashankari Temple, said Cauvery was the lifeline of Karnataka and the religious heads were ready for any sacrifice to protect the interests of farmers. Sri Balagangadharanath Swamy also addressed the protesters. Shivapuri Swamiji of Omkar Ashram, Shantaveera Swamiji of Kolada Math, Shivarudra Swamji of Beli Math, and Chandrashekaranath Swamiji of Vishwa Vokkaliga Samsthan were among the nearly 25 swamijis who participated in the demonstration.

"Rashtrakavi" G.S. Shivarudrappa and veteran actor Shivaram signed on the canvass.

Members of Karnataka Dhobi Ghat Okkoota and Madivala Yuva Vedike took out a procession of donkeys, with empty pots mounted on their back, to the Mahatma Gandhi statue.

Dalit Sangarsha Samithi workers led by N. Murthy held a demonstration by beating drums at the same venue, demanding resignation of Union ministers and MPs from the State. Members of Ushodaya Women's Development Organisation held a demonstration there. MLA Vatal Nagaraj addressed the protesters.

Karnataka Rakshana Vedike activists staged "urulu seve" (continuous rolling on) from Pantharpalya to Sirsi Circle on Mysore Road. The vedike activists, led by their president T.A. Narayana Gowda, held a dharna in front of the Kendriya Sadan in Koramangala.

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