Dalit organizations in Dakshina Kannada have announced a renewed push for protests against the State government and District In-charge Minister U T Khader. The Dalit Sanghatanegala Samanvaya Samithi issued this stern warning on September 22, 2026, citing the prolonged delay in allotting DC Manna land to thousands of eligible beneficiaries, an issue spanning nearly three decades.
Ashok Konchadi, a prominent Dalit leader, accused Minister Khader of reneging on a promise made to a Dalit delegation. Konchadi stated that Khader had assured the issue's resolution during a State Cabinet meeting held in Mangaluru. However, the matter remained unaddressed post-meeting, which Konchadi termed a clear betrayal of the Dalit community. He held Khader personally accountable for the issue's failure to advance at the Cabinet level, highlighting nine years of unfulfilled assurances. Konchadi further questioned whether the minister was shielding influential individuals allegedly encroaching upon land designated for Dalits.
"We will stage protests against the minister wherever he attends public programmes in the coming days," Konchadi declared. The Samithi plans a series of agitations, including a district-wide public awareness campaign, leaflet distribution, padayatras, and large-scale demonstrations against what it perceives as the government's anti-Dalit policies. Konchadi also pledged to hold Minister Khader accountable at the ballot box in the next Assembly elections for what he described as betraying the Dalits.
Ramesh Kotian, the Samithi's chief convener, highlighted the plight of approximately 6,000 applicants in the district awaiting DC Manna land allotments. He noted that district administration meetings consistently cite the need to amend the Draft Rules-2017 as a reason for delay, accusing ministers and elected representatives of lacking the necessary political resolve. Samithi convener Raghu K Ekkar further criticized the government, stating it allocates crores for coastal development, temple projects, and industrial initiatives, while neglecting long-standing Dalit demands. Ekkar also claimed Chief Minister D K Shivakumar was reportedly unaware of the DC Manna land issue during his recent Mangaluru visit, suggesting the District In-charge Minister had evidently not briefed him on the long-standing matter.
"Congress used our votes to come to power. Now, we will show our strength to the Congress for failing to fulfil our demands," Ekkar asserted.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: Mangalore Today