BJP MLC Hemalatha Naik was speaking at an agitation site in Koppal on Wednesday. | Photo credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT
The anti-Baldot agitation in Koppal entered its 20th day on Wednesday, with several BJP and Janata Dal(S) leaders and progressive writers extending their support to the ongoing indefinite sit-in jointly organized by Koppal District Bachao Andolan and Parisara Hitarakshana Vedike.
Construction workers from the Bar Bending and Building Constructors Association, who supported the agitation, marched from Ashoka Circle to the protest site and raised slogans against the proposed expansion of the Baldota iron ore mining project.
Addressing the protesters, BJP MLC Hemalatha Naik said that she has repeatedly raised the demand in the Legislative Council to stop the expansion of Baldota and protect the Basapur lake, but the state government has not allowed the discussion so far.
“Even during the meeting of the all-party delegation with the Chief Minister, the Ministers remained silent when questions were raised as to why the matter was allowed to fester for so many days. Minister Shivaraj Tangadagi informed the Chief Minister that Sri Gavisiddeshwara Swami himself had entered the fray, after which the Deputy Commissioner was verbally instructed to temporarily stop this written order, so no written order was issued again during this time.” Session as this is a matter directly related to the health and welfare of the people of Koppal town, Bhagyanagar and more than 20 villages,” she said.
Another BJP leader Basavaraj Kyawatar accused the state government of “skipping the case” by claiming that the Union government had granted permission.
“This is shirking responsibility. How can people remain silent when their health and environment are at risk?” he asked, declaring that his party would mobilize its top leadership, garner support and demonstrate its strength in the streets for the benefit of the people.
Janata Dal(S) leader Raju Naik and BJP Scheduled Castes Morcha district president Ganesh Horatatnal also expressed solidarity with the agitation.
Several BJP leaders including Mahesh V. Angadi, Ramesh Mallappa Kavaluru, Peera Husein Hosalli, PV Parutagoudar, Neelakantayya Hiremath, Keerthi Patil, Geeta Muttal and Geeta Matha joined the protest and pledged continued support.
As the agitation grows, organizers have said they are planning new forms of protest and have called for more public participation.
Dharwad-based film director Mahadev Hadapad, author Mallikarjun Hiremath and wildlife farmer Devendrappa Balutagi visited the dharna camp and expressed their support.
Child Protection Committee members Neetra B. Patil and Kavita B. Onti along with Gavisiddaya Hallikerimath, Ravi Kantanavar, Maula Husein and Ramesh HH attended.
Leaders of the agitation including Allamaprabhu Bettaduru, KB Gonala, Manjunath Gondabal, Mahadevappa Mavinamadu, Venkatesh, Durugesh, Nagraj Chalis, Manjunathagouda Yatnatti, Makhbool Raichur, Basavaraj Naregal, Mookappa Mestri of S. Rajosamani and DM Rajppa Badiger, Mu Rajappa, H. Basavaraj Sheelavantar were present.
Published – 19 Nov 2025 20:59 IST
