Bengaluru, 26 Jan

Nearly 3,000 people from over 400 families, who were left homeless during a massive demolition drive in Bengaluru’s Fakir Colony in Kogilu Layout earlier this month, celebrated Republic Day on Monday. They called it “Poor People’s Republic Day”.

Asserting constitutional values even as they continue to live without shelter, residents gathered to hoist the Tricolour and demand their right to housing. The demotion took place on 20 December.

The event was organised by Dudiya Janara Vedike, AITUC, CITU, Democratic Youth Federation of India, Gamana Mahila Samooha, Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane, National Federation of Indian Women (NFIW), SFI, Slum Janara Sanghatane, Slum Mahila Sanghatane, and other groups.

Khadar B, a Fakir Colony resident, and Jyothi of NFIW hoisted the national flag.

Speaking at the programme, Jyothi said, “The government celebrates Republic Day at Vidhana Soudha, but does not allow the poor inside. What we are celebrating here is the Poor People’s Republic Day. This is our right. We have only one demand: housing must be provided to us.”

Hanumantharao Havaldar of CITU said, “A government that gives one acre of land to Adani for one rupee is not giving even a small piece of land to us who were born and brought up here.”

Addressing women and families affected by the demolition, Haseeba of the Slum Mahila Sanghatane said, “We are always with you. Send your children to school and give them a good education. Whatever the situation may be, we must remain united and secure our rights.”

Organisers said the government had initially assured housing and sought applications, but later backtracked, leaving families uncertain about rehabilitation.