Mysuru: Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar on Tuesday announced that he will lead the agitation against the proposed construction of a stadium on land belonging to the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) in T Narasipura town of the district.
After meeting agitating labourers at the KSIC site, Yaduveer assured them that he would stand by their side and spearhead the protest until their demands were fulfilled. He strongly opposed the State government’s move to construct a stadium within the premises of the factory, which was originally established as Mysore Silk and later became KSIC.
Demand for alternative site
Yaduveer urged the government to identify a suitable alternative site for the proposed stadium project. He maintained that setting up a sports facility within the factory premises would adversely affect the functioning and future expansion of the silk unit.
Extending support to the protesting workers, the MP said Mysore silk saris remain highly sought-after products across Karnataka and beyond. Due to their premium quality and high demand, they are often associated with politicians, dignitaries and officials. Constructing a stadium adjacent to a factory that supplies silk yarn for these saris would not be appropriate, he argued.
He added that the workers’ protest has already drawn the attention of the State government and that the concerns raised by employees must be addressed without delay.
Call to preserve KSIC legacy
Emphasising the need to preserve the factory, Yaduveer said steps must be taken to strengthen infrastructure and improve facilities for workers instead of diverting land for non-industrial purposes.
“KSIC carries a legacy of over 100 years. If the land is handed over for the stadium, it will hamper the factory’s modernisation,” he stated. He stressed that the available land should instead be utilised to upgrade the factory, introduce modern technology and generate additional employment opportunities for local youth.
The MP also wrote to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking his personal intervention in the matter. In his letter, Yaduveer urged the Chief Minister to safeguard the interests of workers and ensure that the KSIC land is retained for industrial development.
He further pointed out that modernising KSIC could help provide better prices to silk farmers and boost local employment in the region. According to him, strengthening the factory would not only protect jobs but also enhance the global standing of the Mysore Silk brand.
BJP leaders oppose move
State BJP chief B. Y. Vijayendra has also opposed the proposed allotment of KSIC land for the stadium project. He reportedly expressed concern that the construction could denude forested areas at the site and adversely impact the reputation of the Mysore Silk brand.
Former MP Pratap Simmha, BJP district vice-president R Arjun and advocate S Arun Kumar were present during Yaduveer’s visit to the protest site, extending solidarity to the workers.
Workers continue agitation
The protesting labourers have maintained that the KSIC factory land should remain dedicated to silk production and related activities. They fear that diversion of land for a stadium could limit future expansion plans and reduce operational space required for modernisation.
T Narasipura, located near Mysuru, has long been associated with the silk industry’s heritage. Workers argue that preserving the integrity of the KSIC campus is essential for sustaining the livelihoods of hundreds of families dependent on the unit.
As political opposition to the proposal gains momentum, all eyes are now on the State government’s response. With the Mysuru MP pledging to lead the agitation, the issue is likely to intensify in the coming days.
The controversy highlights the larger debate between infrastructure development and preservation of industrial heritage. Whether the government revises its plan or proceeds with the project, the outcome will have significant implications for the workers and the future of the Mysore Silk legacy.