KALSA CONTROVERSY
BELAGAVI: Karnataka Rajya Rayata Sanghatane (KRRS) President Kodihalli Chandrasekhar on Thursday said the farmers organisations will intensify their agitation for the implementation of Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion and other issues.
Kodihalli was addressing a massive farmers' rally in Belagavi, which was organised to mark the completion of 100 days of agitation for the implementation of Kalsa-Bhandura project.
He also declared that the agitation would be intensified from December 21 and KRRC will block all State and national highways on that day to send a strong message to the governments of Goa, Karnataka and the Centre.
Farmers from north Karnataka region had gathered at the Deputy Commissioner's office to decide the future course of action. Many farmers had gathered with their bullock carts and live stock at the agitation venue.
“Both the State and Centre are not at all concerned about farmers woes. Instead they are engaged in politicking the issue. The prime minister had assured farmers in Karnataka to address all their problems, but he has failed to deliver what he promised,” Kodihalli said.
“It's time the prime minister intervenes and convenes a meeting of chief ministers of Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra to solve the issue to reach an out of court settlement,” he said.
“It seems everyone has turned a deaf ear to our issues, hence we are compelled to block all the State and national highways so that our message is conveyed in a strong way,” he warned.
Prominent farmer leaders were present for the day-long rally that concluded with the passing of resolutions related to farmers issues also comprising waiver of loans, minimum support price for sugarcane and other farm yields.
Deputy Commissioner N Jayaram assured the farmers that their demands would be forwarded to Karnataka government.
