Goa elections hamper Kalsa-Bhandura protests in Karnataka
THE GOAN NETWORK
BELAGAVI
While a total bandh by various organisations at Navalgund in north Karnataka for the implementation of the Kalsa-Bhandura water diversion project evoked good response on Monday, the Goa elections have held back the farmers from pushing ahead with their agitation.
The prolonged agitation that was kept in abeyance for over two months was rejuvenated with the bandh in Navalgund, but farmer leaders have blamed the Goa elections for keeping them from stepping up their agitation.
Tontadrayya Swamiji, who has been heading the protests, said a solution was possible only after the Goa elections.
“A solution to the dispute will be possible only after results of the Goa Assembly election are declared. Till then, no one will pay heed to our demands,” said Swamiji, while blaming the Center for ignoring people of north Karnataka for political reasons.
Member of Parliament, Vijay Kulkarni, who has been spearheading the farmers agitation, claimed that MPs in Karnataka, majority of whom belong to the BJP, have maintained conspicuous silence due to the Goa elections, as they feel that their demand for implementation of the project would face adverse effect on the party's prospects in Goa.
“More than the people of north Karnataka who are already going through a drought-like situation, these MPs are concerned about elections in Goa,” Kulkarni told The Goan.
“However, the agitation would now be intensified as farmers and people of north Karnataka have lost faith in all political parties. A meeting of all farmer organisations will be held this week to decide about the further course of agitation,” Kulkarni said.
