Bengaluru, July 15: The Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has announced a statewide protest scheduled for July 17. The party is demanding the withdrawal of cases filed against farmers and the cancellation of the Bidadi Township project.
During a press conference in Ballari, BJP President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra stated that BJP legislators, MPs, former MLAs, and former MPs will hold a one-day sit-in at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on July 17.
Vijayendra accused the state government of adopting policies detrimental to the poor and farmers, asserting that the BJP will intensify its movement against the government. He claimed that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar prioritizes real estate interests over those of farmers.
Farmers are opposing the Bidadi Township project due to concerns over the acquisition of fertile agricultural land. Vijayendra alleged that the state government and the Chief Minister are responsible for creating a situation where farmers and women are compelled to protest with brooms.
He urged the Chief Minister to act in the farmers’ interest and demanded the immediate withdrawal of cases against protesting farmers and leaders of various organizations. He also called on the government to end its ‘arbitrary’ actions against farmers.
Vijayendra insisted on the urgent appointment of an Agriculture Minister, emphasizing the need for the government to address the issues faced by farmers during droughts. He claimed that when Shivakumar was the Minister for Water Resources, it took 24 months to repair the crest gate of the Tungabhadra reservoir, preventing farmers from planting a second crop and causing significant losses. However, he alleged that within 24 hours of becoming Chief Minister, Shivakumar issued orders related to the proposed Bidadi Township project.
It is noteworthy that the Karnataka government has filed FIRs against over 20 farmers in connection with violent protests that obstructed land surveys for the proposed Bidadi Township project in Mandalahalli village, located on the outskirts of Bengaluru.
During the protests, women reportedly struck officials’ vehicles with brooms, while some demonstrators threw stones and chased away the survey team, forcing officials to abandon the process. Vijayendra further announced that during the upcoming state assembly session starting August 6, the BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) will raise issues related to policies affecting farmers.
According to Vijayendra, the opposition will address concerns related to the Bidadi Township project, issues impacting North Karnataka, and the troubles faced by farmers in the Cauvery basin.
Leave a Comment