Actor Chetan Ahimsa announces plans to launch new political party in Bhatkal

Bhatkal: Social activist and actor Chetan Ahimsa has announced plans to establish a new political party based on the ideology of 'Parivartana Parisaravada' (Transformative Environmentalism).

Speaking to reporters in Bhatkal on Friday, Chetan said he would travel across Karnataka to understand the basic problems faced by people and work towards building people's movements to address them.

He said the proposed political party would focus mainly on fighting corruption and protecting the environment. The aim, he said, is to develop a new political model based on Transformative Environmentalism.

Chetan also expressed concern over the possible environmental impact of the Sharavathi Pumped Storage Project, which involves an investment of thousands of crores of rupees. He said the government should give priority to alternative methods of power generation, including solar energy, that do not cause damage to the environment.

Projects that could harm the environment in the name of development should be reviewed, he said.

Chetan also criticised the recent expansion of the state Cabinet, saying the coastal region and women had not received adequate representation. He said his proposed political platform would seek to develop an alternative political approach based on Transformative Environmentalism.

On the Cauvery water-sharing issue, he called for an amicable solution that protects the interests of farmers in both Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

Chetan also alleged that promises made by Congress leaders regarding the Tonka port project had not been fulfilled.

During his visit, representatives of various Dalit organisations felicitated Chetan. Dalit leaders including Madeva Bakad, Venkatesh and Shekhar were present.