Mandya, once celebrated for its rich agricultural heritage and farmer activism, is now grappling with increasing communal tensions. Known for its significant role in agrarian movements and the Cauvery water dispute, the district is witnessing a shift as recent incidents highlight growing discord.
Last week, tensions flared in Nagamangala taluk when stones were thrown at a Ganapati procession. Earlier this year, Mandya taluk experienced confrontations over the removal of a saffron flag bearing Lord Hanuman’s portrait. These incidents, though minor, reflect a troubling rise in communal skirmishes in a district traditionally associated with farmer unity.
Local leaders and analysts attribute this shift to several factors:
- Political and Social Changes: The rise of right-wing groups promoting religious events, which sometimes clash with other communities.
- Demographic Shifts: An influx of people from neighboring districts with different religious and cultural practices is creating friction.
- Economic Pressures: Increasing unemployment and economic disparities are driving frustration among the youth, leading to a susceptibility to divisive ideologies.
Social worker KM Lokesh criticizes all major political parties for contributing to this trend and highlights the role of social media in amplifying small incidents into larger issues. As Mandya’s focus shifts from agrarian to communal concerns, the region’s historic identity faces significant challenges.
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