Activist K.G. Sreedhar to contest from Shimoga

He is being fielded by Aam Aadmi Party

Social activist and architect K.G. Sreedhar will contest the Lok Sabha elections from Shimoga, as an AAP candidate.

Born in 1965, Mr. Sreedhar studied BE in architecture and worked as an architect for dancer Protima Bedi’s Nrityagram project.

Through the Malenadu Krushi Andolana Samiti (for which he is a convener), he is trying to popularise natural farming methods advocated by Subhash Palekar.

Mr. Sreedhar was also involved in the Tunga Moola Ulisi Horata, a struggle against mining in Kudremukh, and played an active role in a public awareness campaign organised by social activist S.R. Hiremath against illegal mining.

Mr. Sreedhar is the secretary of the Consumer Forum of Tirthahalli.

Socialism in Shimoga

Speaking to The Hindu over telephone, Mr. Sreedhar said that AAP had fielded him in Shimoga constituency not to just offer a symbolic fight. “Shimoga district was once a home for socialist struggles. Many socialist leaders who had participated in land reform movements like the Kagodu Satyagraha were elected to the Lok Sabha and the State Assembly from here. People here have accepted politicians who have progressive views,” he said.

The people here are upset with the style of functioning of major political parties and are eager for a change, he added. Mr. Sreedhar was confident that the AAP would emerge as a strong political force in the region.

Problems in Malnad

He said he would highlight farmers’ problems while campaigning. At present, scientific prices are not fixed for agricultural produce, and as a result farmers are suffering heavy losses. All major political parties have failed to address their woes.

Farmers in Malnad have a unique set of problems: while large business firms are allowed to “loot the region’s natural resources, unnecessary restrictions are imposed on small and marginal farmers.” The rights enjoyed by the local community over natural resources should be recognised, he felt.

‘Gandhian principles needed’

The economic policies of the government should be based on Sarvodaya principles advocated by Mahatma Gandhi. It is necessary to adopt eco-friendly and sustainable models of development.

The activist-architect has expressed confidence that he would get the support of the progressive and pro-democratic organisations in Shimoga.