A prolonged public agitation in Vijayapara demanding a fully government-run medical college escalated dramatically on Thursday, resulting in police taking 22 individuals into custody. The protestors, who have been demonstrating for over three months, allegedly violated regulations and assaulted police personnel during their attempt to march towards a minister's residence.
106-Day Agitation Reaches Boiling Point
The protest, which entered its 106th day on Thursday, is spearheaded by a forum comprising various local organisations. Their core demand is for the state government to abandon the proposed Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for a new medical college in Vijayapura and commit in writing to establishing and running the institution solely through government funds and administration. Despite earlier assurances from local ministers, the protestors have insisted on a written guarantee.
Confrontation and Arrests on Solapur Road
The situation turned tense when agitators, who had gathered at the Deputy Commissioner's office premises, began moving towards the residence of District Minister M B Patil on Vijayapura-Solapur Road. Police intervened, stating the march did not have the necessary permissions. Ignoring warnings, the protestors proceeded to block the busy Solapur Road near Mugalkhod Mutt, causing significant traffic disruption.
To clear the obstruction and restore normal traffic flow, police initiated preventive arrests. During this process, an altercation occurred. Sanganabasava Swami of Hunsahyal in Basavana Bagewadi taluk, while being escorted to a police vehicle, allegedly assaulted a police constable and later Police Sub-Inspector Seetaram Lamani of Adarsh Nagar police station.
Police and Political Response
Superintendent of Police Laxman Nimbargi explained the police action to media, stating that the agitators had violated rules by organising an unauthorised march and then blocking a public road. "We will identify all those who have violated the rules and take action as per law," the SP affirmed, referring to the alleged assault on duty-bound policemen.
On the political front, District Minister M B Patil, who was initially supportive of the PPP model, has since acceded to the protestors' demand. He has promised to lead a delegation to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah when the latter visits Vijayapura on January 9. Sugar Minister Shivanand Patil has also expressed support for the agitators' cause. However, these verbal assurances have failed to pacify the protestors, who continue their sit-in and day-and-night dharna, insisting on a formal, written commitment from the government.
The incident highlights the deep-seated public opposition to the privatisation of essential services like healthcare in the region and sets the stage for a crucial meeting when the Chief Minister visits next month.
