Seers to lead revolt against POSCO

HALLIGUDI (Gadag): The pontiffs of Tontadarya mutt (Gadag), Annadanishwar Mutt of Mundargi and some other mutts in Gadag district have opposed land acquisition for the proposed steel plant at Halligudi village in Mundargi taluk.Siddhalinga Swamiji of Tontadarya mutt suggested the government to install small scale industries instead of opting for big industries like steel plants.He favoured the policy of the Punjab government in this regard. He told Express that the big industries would snatch away the land of farmers and make them jobless.“The government may easily attract industries like steel plants offering them water, land and electricity at cheaper price. But it will kill our nativity in the long run.They will not give any jobs for our farmers. The farmers may be silent now like Kumbhakarna, when they awake, they will be Veerabhadra,” he cautioned the government.Annadanishwar Swamiji of Mundargi mutt told Express that he would oppose setting up the steel plant acquiring fertile land. “I will never allow this to happen and the Swamijis of all mutts in Gadag district will be in the forefront to agitate against the plant.I have already contacted Chikenakoppa Sharanaru of Balaganur mutt and some others will also join the movement. I invite even Gadag Swamiji to join hands with us,” he said. He asked the government to try to understand the strong message of West Bengal farmers’ agitation under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. Here too, if the KIADB issues final notices to the farmers, the agitation will start immediately, he cautioned.Shivakumar Swamiji of Nandiveri mutt told Express that the steel plant would become a threat to rich natural resources in Kappata Gudda. “How can the government decide on the plant without the consent of the farmers. We will join the movement against the government,” he said.Many farmer associations and social organisations are ready to join pontiffs to agitate against new industries in Mundargi taluk.