Mandya: Strongly opposing the reported moves for privatisation of the century-old ‘MySugar’ factory at Mandya, farmers under the banner of Mandya Zilla Raitha Hitarakshana Samiti staged a demonstration at MySugar factory premises on Sunday.

Alleging that the factory has convened a three-day virtual meeting of the factory’s shareholders on Apr. 25, 26 and 27 to discuss leasing out  the factory to private parties, the farmers urged the authorities to stop the e-voting that has been ordered to decide on leasing out the factory. Urging for deferring the three-day virtual meeting, the protestors claimed that holding meeting at such a short notice has given rise to suspicions. Maintaining that most of the shareholders are yet to get the notice about the meeting, they strongly opposed the conduct of the meeting amid surge in COVID-19 pandemic.

Later, the farmers submitted a memorandum to MySugar Chairman B. Shivalingegowda seeking to defer the meeting and to stop privatisation moves. 

Speaking after receiving the memorandum, Shivalingegowda said that a decision on conducting the scheduled meeting will be taken after holding talks with Sugar Minister and Mandya Deputy Commissioner. MLC K.T. Srikantegowda, farmer leaders Sunanda Jayaram, Keelara Krishna, Muddegowda, K. Boraiah and others were present.