Pratirodha rally staged in Dharwad against fascist forces

Members of various progressive associations participated in the Pratirodha rally with the slogan ‘Save Democracy, End Fascism’ in Dharwad on Sunday.

Activists S.R. Hiremath, Siddanagouda Patil, Shankar Halagatti, and K. Neela, former MP I.G. Sanadi, writer Ku. Veerabhadrappa, journalist Dinesh Aminmattu, actor Prakash Raj and others joined the rally. It was held from the R.N. Shetty Stadium to Buddha Rakhita School, founded by Ramabai Ambedkar. Earlier, a bike rally was flagged off from the home of M.M. Kalaburagi, a slain intellectual, and ended at R.N. Shetty Stadium.

Members held placards and raised slogans that people of this country must unite and raise their voices to protect democracy, the Constitution, and freedom of expression.

The event began with a collective reading of the Preamble to the Constitution, affirming a pledge to uphold its ideals. At the subsequent gathering, leaders spoke on key issues, including the SIR process, democratic rights, freedom of expression, and resistance to fascist tendencies.

Writer Basavaraj Sulibhavi described the constant attacks on freedom of expression as an alarming development. He emphasised the need to build democratic resistance against attempts to undermine social harmony.

Writer Ku. Veerabhadrappa stated that the struggle against fascism must be continuous. He noted that Dharwad was not just a city but a land of movements, ideas, and resistance. “This is a place that has shaped numerous writers and thinkers. Therefore, Dharwad bears the responsibility of raising its voice against anti-people forces,” he said.

Journalist Dinesh Amin Mattu pointed out that the country was facing numerous questions, ranging from the assassinations of rationalists to concerns regarding the judicial system. Citing the murder of Narendra Dabholkar, he urged society to question developments that tend to erode faith in the law and the justice delivery system. “When such things are happening all around us, questions are being raised regarding the RSS’s organisational structure and the nature of the internal democracy within it. It is time for all pro-people organisations to raise their voices equally against the injustices prevailing in society,’’ he said.

Activist Meenakshi Bali said the struggle against fascist tendencies should not be limited to street protests. “It must also involve a fight to prevent such ideologies from taking root within society,” she said.

CPM State secretary K. Prakash urged pro-people forces to unite in the struggle against the RSS. He emphasised the need to further strengthen the people’s movement to safeguard the ideals of the Constitution and democracy.

Members of several labour, student, and women organisations and literary associations were present.