Mysuru MP Yaduveer Wadiyar Takes Charge of Agitation Against Stadium on KSIC Land
In a significant development in Mysuru district, Member of Parliament Yaduveer Wadiyar has declared that he will personally lead the protest movement against the state government's proposal to construct a stadium on land belonging to the Karnataka Silk Industries Corporation (KSIC) in T Narasipura town. The announcement came on Tuesday after Wadiyar met with agitating labourers at the KSIC site, where he pledged unwavering support for their cause.
Standing with Workers Against Government Move
Yaduveer Wadiyar expressed strong opposition to the government's plan to build a stadium within the premises of the factory, which has a rich history dating back to its establishment as Mysore Silk before becoming KSIC. He emphasized that constructing a stadium adjacent to a facility that supplies silk yarn for the renowned Mysore silk saris would be entirely inappropriate. These saris remain highly sought-after products in Karnataka, often accessible primarily to politicians, dignitaries, and officials due to their high demand and prestige.
The MP assured the protesting workers that he would stand firmly by their side and spearhead the agitation until their legitimate demands are fulfilled. He urged the state government to identify a suitable alternative site for the stadium project, one that does not compromise the operations and heritage of the silk factory.
Preserving Heritage and Supporting Workers' Rights
Yaduveer highlighted that the workers' protest has already drawn significant attention from state authorities. He stressed the critical need to preserve the factory, which carries a legacy of over 100 years, and called for concrete steps to strengthen its infrastructure and improve facilities for workers. The agitation must continue until the government withdraws its plan, he asserted, adding that the legitimate demands of the working class must be met without compromise.
In a parallel move, Yaduveer Wadiyar has written a formal letter to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah seeking his immediate intervention to save the KSIC factory land. In his correspondence, the MP argued that KSIC should be modernized to generate more local employment opportunities and ensure better prices for farmers rather than having its land repurposed for a stadium. If the land is handed over for stadium construction, it will severely hamper the factory's modernization efforts, he warned, suggesting instead that the land be utilized to upgrade the factory for broader community benefit.
Political Support and Environmental Concerns
The protest has garnered support from various political figures. BJP district vice-president R Arjun, former MP Pratap Simmha, and advocate S Arun Kumar were present during Wadiyar's announcement, demonstrating solidarity with the cause. Additionally, State BJP chief BY Vijayendra has voiced opposition to the allotment of KSIC land for stadium construction, raising concerns that the project could denude forested areas at the site and potentially damage the prestigious Mysore Silk brand.
This growing opposition underscores the multifaceted implications of the stadium proposal, touching on issues of heritage preservation, workers' rights, environmental impact, and economic development. As the agitation gains momentum under Yaduveer Wadiyar's leadership, all eyes are on the state government's response to these pressing concerns.
