Mysuru: Lamenting the state of political affairs in Karnataka, freedom fighter HS Doreswamy on Monday called the prevalent condition a ‘Goonda raj (Rule by hooligans)’. “The sort of things unfolding in Karnataka is unfortunate. It is sad to see such events occurring in our state,” said Doreswamy at a protest organised by the many farmers’ organisations, and citizens’ fora to oppose the proposed Disneyland project at the Krishnaraja Sagar KRS ) Dam.The protest called by KRRS witnessed the participation of members of other farmers’ organisations, and activists of citizen fora. Forecasting an Armageddon-like situation for the state, Doreswamy said, “People from various countries have poured into the state. There is no peace in Karnataka. We do not even have a proper pavement to walk on. Each day, we hear reports of people being killed – 30 dying in an accident, 13 being killed because of poisoned prasadam. The government must focus on law and order, and peace.”Asking the state government to take notice of the people’s opposition to the proposed project, the freedom fighter said that it should be called off. “Steps should also be taken to curb illegal mining at Baby Betta , and across the state. We have already seen what happened in Ballari at the hands of BJP leader Janardhan Reddy and his brothers. They get the deputy commissioner, superintendent of police and other officials of their choice,” said Doreswamy, alleging that minister and senior Congress leader DK Shivakumar, and his brother too were involved in illegal mining in Kanakapura.Social activist Pa Mallesh called on those who participated in the agitation on Monday to sustain the protest against proposed projects at KRS dam, pointing to the successful agitation that had been led to stop the Chamalapura thermal power plant project. “We protested for three months to stop the Chamalapura project. We need to carry out a similar agitation to stop this Disneyland project, and illegal mining at Baby Betta. The government should act immediately to remove mining machinery at the hill,” said Mallesh.The organisers said that they would hold another protest at Baby Betta.

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