HUBLI, Nov 6 (DHNS)

Members of Karnataka Dalit Sangarsh Samiti (DSS) today picketed Hubli-Dharwad Municipal Corporation, protesting against wrong information being given by some BJP members about the corporation owned land.

The samiti members led by Mr Parashurama Kodaddi and others marched upto the meeting hall, where the general body meeting was in progress and shouted slogans against the mayor and the corporation commissioner. The police prevented them from entering the hall. The mayor immediately adjourned the meeting to meet the agitators.

They contended that the corporation had sanctioned about 150 square feet of land at Kondawada in Veerapur Oni to a dalit employee, Mr D Y Ron on June 25, 1998. However, some anti-dalit elements spread rumours that a dalit had encroached upon the corporation land and created confusion among the officials and people. Sunsequently, the corporation standing committee issued notices to DSS and BJP Raitha Morcha seeking explanation on the issue. However, the Raitha Morcha activists did not turn up. The committee members informed them that a suitable action would be taken depending upon the verdict of the court, where a case has been pending. But, the local BJP leaders once again spread rumours that plot had been encroached upon by a dalit and planning to launch agitation.

They said the plot had been allotted to a dalit as per the rules and regulations and a suitable decision had to be taken at the earliest.

They submitted memorandum to Mayor Sarala Bhandge who assured of taking suitable decision at the earliest.