Actor and activist Prakash Raj has found himself in a war of words with the Karnataka Congressgovernment after joining a farmers’ protest in Devanahalli against land acquisition for industrialprojects.
Reacting sharply, Karnataka Industries Minister MB Patil criticized Raj’s involvement, statingthat the 1,200-acre acquisition in Devanahalli is minimal compared to what’s happening in otherstates. He pointed out that Andhra Pradesh is acquiring nearly 45,000 acres, including a10,000-acre stretch from Madakasira to Penukonda for similar industrial purposes.
Taking it a step further, Patil alleged that in Visakhapatnam, land is being allocated for as little as95 paise per acre, suggesting a far more controversial scenario. He questioned why Prakash Rajchose to stay silent on Andhra’s land policies while protesting in Karnataka.
Adding a personal dig, Patil remarked that Prakash Raj is more popular in Andhra Pradesh andTamil Nadu than in Karnataka, indirectly questioning his motivations.The exchange has not only stirred political debate but also brought Andhra Pradesh’s landacquisition practices under scrutiny in Karnataka, extending the controversy beyond stateborders.
