Mysore/Mysuru: Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene have got a new identity, name, logo and bylaw to strengthen farmer’s movement in the State.

Now, it has been renamed as Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, with different green shawl, logo and bylaw. This was released at a function organised in connection with the third death anniversary of farmer leader and former MLA, K.S. Puttanaiah here on Thursday.

KRRS Honorary President Chamarasa Maali Patil said some individuals had formed splinter groups claiming themselves as Raitha Sangha leaders and have been involved in illegal activities. This has made them to change the flag, logo and name of KRRS and Hasiru Sene. “Our organisation has been fighting for the cause of farmers for the last four decades without any expectations. However, our green shawl is being misused with politicians started wearing it. The politicians wear shawl while taking oath of secrecy as Ministers and throw it later. They do not know the principle and ideology of our organisation. Recently, Minister B.C. Patil faced the heat of farmers for wearing the green shawl during his recent visit to Mysuru.”

Badagalapura Nagendra, another farmer leader said, the first generation of farmer leaders, H.S. Rudrappa, Prof. M.D. Nanjundaswamy and H. Sundaresh started the farmer movement in the State to protect agriculturists from the exploitation of Government, middle-men and capitalists. The second generation leader, Puttanaiah continued their tradition till his last breath. 

Sunitha Puttanaiah, wife of late Puttanaiah, Devanuru Mahadev, Dr.C.S. Prakash Kammaradi, and others were present.

Of late, some persons have formed their own groups under the banner of Raitha Sangha and involved in illegal activities. Others are doing worst things and amassing wealth. Another set of leaders act as if they know everything and take money from the Government and foreign funds. —KRRS Honorary President Chamarasa Maali Patil