TORANAGALLU: Members of the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) staged a vigorous protest march from Ballari to Toranagallu village, opposing the state government’s controversial decision to sell land to Jindal Steel and Iron Works at drastically reduced prices. The two-day padayatra began on Saturday morning in Ballari city and culminated on Sunday at Jindal’s old gate in Toranagallu, passing through Kudatini.
During the protest, DYFI State President Lavitra addressed the gathering, vocally condemning the recent cabinet decision to sell 3,667 acres of valuable agricultural land to Jindal Steel at significantly lower rates. “The government’s decision to sell off crucial agricultural land at such low prices is utterly unacceptable. This decision must be retracted immediately. Instead of a sale at reduced rates, the land should be leased at fair market prices,” she asserted, emphasising the need for more equitable treatment of agricultural resources.
Lavitra’s comments reflect the organisation’s broader concerns about the impact of such sales on local communities and the agricultural landscape. The protestors argue that selling land at undervalued prices undermines the rights of local farmers and diminishes the long-term viability of agriculture in the region.
In addition to the land sale issues, Lavitra also raised concerns about employment opportunities that were promised by Jindal Steel but have not materialised. “The Jindal Company has failed to deliver on its commitment to provide jobs to local residents. This breach of trust cannot be overlooked,” she claimed, calling for the government to take stringent legal action against the company for not fulfilling its promises.
The failure to create local employment has been a recurring theme in protests against large corporations in the region, as communities seek assurance that industrial developments will benefit them directly.
The padayatra saw strong participation from various DYFI leaders, including State Secretary Basavaraj Poojari and District Unit President U. Erriswamy. Other notable figures present at the protest included Hanumantappa, Tipperudra, Mastan Sab, Naveen, Kaluba, Thimmappa, A. Swamy, Nagabhushan, Manjunath, and M. Tippeswamy. Their collective presence underscored the widespread discontent regarding the government’s actions and the growing desire for accountability from both the state and the corporations involved.
The demonstration drew significant attention, highlighting the local community’s frustration with government decisions that they feel prioritise corporate interests over the needs of citizens.
The DYFI has made clear demands for immediate government intervention to reassess the land sale and address the employment concerns linked to Jindal Steel. The organisation’s leaders have called for an urgent review of the agreements in place and a commitment to uphold local rights and interests.
As the protest concluded, it became evident that the issue of land sales and corporate accountability would remain a critical topic of discussion in the region. The DYFI’s mobilisation reflects a growing movement among youth and community members to advocate for their rights and demand transparency in government dealings.
The protest against the land sale to Jindal Steel is part of a broader narrative of community activism aimed at protecting local agricultural interests and ensuring that development projects yield tangible benefits for residents. As the situation develops, the DYFI’s persistent advocacy will likely keep the spotlight on the need for responsible governance and corporate accountability in the face of significant industrial pressures.