On June 25, 2025, the quiet town of Devanahalli, near Bengaluru, became the epicenter of a powerful farmers’ movement as thousands gathered under the banner of “Devanahalli Chalo” to protest the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board’s (KIADB) plan to acquire 1,777 acres of fertile farmland. Marking over 1,193 days of relentless agitation, this escalation—backed by 42 organizations, including farmers, Dalits, women, and students—signals a growing resistance against land acquisition for a proposed hi-tech Defense and Aerospace Park in Channarayapatra hobli. Here’s a detailed look at the protest, its roots, and its significance for Indian readers.
The Heart of the Protest
The “Devanahalli Chalo” movement, launched on June 25, 2025, is a call to action by farmers from 13 villages in Devanahalli taluk, Bengaluru Rural district, to protect their ancestral lands from being taken for industrial development. The KIADB’s plan, initiated with a preliminary notification on August 30, 2021, targets fertile agricultural land in villages like Channarayapatna, Palya, Haraluru, Polanahalli, Nalluru, and others for the Haralur Industrial Area Development Project (Phase II). This follows Phase I, where 1,282 acres were acquired, leaving many farmers without promised compensation.
The protest, led by the Bhoo Svadheena Virodhi Horata Samiti (Anti-Land Acquisition Struggle Committee), has grown into one of Karnataka’s longest farmers’ agitations, surpassing 1,193 days by June 2025. Farmers argue that the acquisition threatens the livelihoods of nearly 700 families and 6,000 agricultural laborers, disrupts food production, and erases a cultural legacy tied to farming. The region, known for cultivating ragi (finger millet), Bangalore blue grapes, mangoes, vegetables, flowers, and supporting dairy and sericulture, is a vital green belt supplying Bengaluru’s daily needs.
A Broken Promise Sparks Outrage
The farmers’ grievances stem from what they see as a betrayal by the Congress-led Karnataka government. During the 2023 Assembly elections, then-opposition leader Siddaramaiah and local MLA K.H. Muniyappa promised to halt the acquisition, a pledge that resonated with farmers who had already protested for over a year against the previous BJP government’s plans. However, after assuming power, the Congress government continued the process, issuing fresh notices in villages like Hedadahalli and Gokare Bachahalli, reigniting anger.
On June 24, 2025, Large and Medium Industries Minister M.B. Patil announced that 495 acres across three villages would be excluded from acquisition, and no further land in Channarayapatna hobli would be taken for industrial purposes. He also offered 10,771 square feet of developed land per acre as compensation for the remaining 1,232 acres to be acquired across 10 villages. Farmers rejected this proposal, demanding a complete halt to the acquisition, accusing the government of prioritizing corporate interests over their livelihoods. J.M. Veerasangaiah, State working president of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha, criticized the government for backtracking on its pre-election promises, fueling the call for “Devanahalli Chalo.”
The Protest Unfolds
The “Devanahalli Chalo” protest on June 25 saw farmers, joined by Dalit organizations, women’s groups, and students, rally at Devanahalli’s tahsildar office under tight police security. Placards reading “Save Our Land” and chants of “Jameen ichishi, deshantram povalna” (Should we give up land and leave our homes?) echoed through the streets, reflecting the farmers’ resolve to protect their “motherland.” Spiritual leaders like Sanehalli Panditaradhya Shivacharya Swamiji also expressed solidarity, amplifying the movement’s reach.
The protest builds on a history of resistance, including a 1,000-day sit-in at Channarayapatna’s Nadakacheri office, a boycott of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections (later withdrawn after assurances), and a march to the Chief Minister’s residence in July 2024, where 200 farmers were detained. The movement has faced police crackdowns, with arrests in August 2022 and July 2024, and allegations of brutality, including tear gas and lathi charges, further galvanizing the farmers.
Why Farmers Are Fighting
The farmers’ resistance is rooted in both economic and cultural concerns:
- Livelihood Threat: The 1,777 acres support 700 farming families and 6,000 laborers, producing 1,000 tonnes of ragi, 2,000 tonnes of grapes, 150 tonnes of mangoes, and 8,000 liters of milk daily. Losing this land would devastate local economies and Bengaluru’s food supply chain.
- Historical Marginalization: About 475 acres belong to Scheduled Castes and Tribes, granted under past land reforms. Farmers like Karahalli Srinivas of Dalit Sangarsha Samiti emphasize that farming is not just a livelihood but a cultural identity tied to their heritage.
- Inadequate Compensation: Past acquisitions, like the 2018 Haraluru phase and a 2013 Special Economic Zone, left over 50% of farmers uncompensated. Current offers of developed land or cash are deemed insufficient, with farmers arguing that alternative livelihoods are not viable for those skilled only in agriculture.
- Environmental Concerns: The region’s rain-fed lands are ecologically vital. Farmers and activists warn that industrial projects, like Foxconn’s manufacturing unit, could exacerbate Bengaluru’s water crisis and contribute to pollution, threatening biodiversity.
Government’s Stance and Farmers’ Demands
The Karnataka government defends the acquisition as essential for industrial growth, projecting that projects like Foxconn’s Rs 8,500-crore facility will create over 100,000 jobs over a decade. Minister Patil has urged farmers to balance industrial development with agricultural welfare, but protesters remain unmoved, demanding:
- Complete withdrawal of the 1,777-acre acquisition.
- Protection of fertile farmland for food security and cultural preservation.
- Transparent dialogue with the government, involving all stakeholders.
- Accountability for unfulfilled election promises and past compensation delays.
Farmers have vowed to intensify their agitation, with plans for a state-level convention on July 22, 2025, during the assembly session, and further marches to Bengaluru.
Broader Context: A National Echo
The “Devanahalli Chalo” protest resonates with national farmers’ movements, like the “Delhi Chalo” marches demanding minimum support prices (MSP) and land rights. While distinct, both reflect a growing frustration with policies perceived as anti-farmer, prioritizing corporate interests over rural livelihoods. The Devanahalli farmers’ struggle, supported by groups like Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Hasiru Sene, underscores a broader fight for food sovereignty and environmental justice.
What Lies Ahead
The “Devanahalli Chalo” protest on June 25, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in Karnataka’s agrarian history. As farmers stand united, their cry—“Prana bittevu, mannannu maruvudilla” (We’ll give our lives, not our land)—echoes a deep commitment to their way of life. For Indian readers, this movement is a reminder of the delicate balance between industrial progress and agricultural heritage. As Bengaluru grows as a tech hub, the fate of Devanahalli’s farmlands will test the government’s ability to honor its promises while addressing economic aspirations.
To stay informed, follow updates from the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha or local news outlets. Farmers have called for public support, urging citizens to join their rallies or amplify their voices on platforms like X. As the monsoon rains nourish Devanahalli’s fields, the farmers’ resolve remains unshaken, a testament to their unbreakable bond with the land.