Rangayana artistes suspend strike

Legal option to be explored to end imbroglio

The 10-day strike by Rangayana artistes protesting their deputation to other centres in the State, was suspended on Sunday.

An activist said the decision was taken only to suspend the agitation and not to call it off as the stakeholders will now explore other options, including waging a legal battle in court, to resolve the issue. The artistes, under the banner of the Sahiti-Kalavidra Okkoota, are demanding cancellation of the deputation order of 12 artistes and the reinstatement of B.V. Rajaram as the Director of the theatre repertoire.

The artistes are also exploring the possibility of filing a public interest litigation petition (PIL) in the court while there is a sense of optimism that the Rangayana issue would be resolved with the impending change of the government consequent to the completion of the election process next month.

The decision to suspend the agitation was also taken in view of the fact that the summer camp or Chinnara Mela should be held as per schedule, said the activist.

Signature for support

Meanwhile, a signature campaign would be launched to pressure the authorities to concede the artistes demand of annulling their deputation.

The artistes deputed to Shimoga and Dharwad, have already reported for duty but legal options to rescind the government orders will be explored, the activist said.