Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
Belagavi, November 4 (IANS) Taking aim at the Karnataka-led Congress government, state BJP president and MLA BY Vijayendra on Tuesday said that the state ministers and government officials are not concerned about the welfare of farmers trapped in distress due to severe rains while demanding compensation from the government.
“However, the district in-charge minister has not shown any concern; departmental officials have also not shown any concern; the revenue and agriculture ministers have not visited North Karnataka,” alleged BJP leader Vijayendra.
Speaking to the media here, he drew attention to the fact that sugarcane growers in Belagavi, Bagalkot, Bijapur and other districts of the region are protesting and demonstrating.
He stressed that the state government under the leadership of Congress should meet the legitimate demands of the sugarcane growers across the state.
Vijayendra warned that the state government is neglecting the farmers and BJP will have to fight on behalf of the farmers.
60 lakh tonnes of sugarcane is being crushed, generating revenue of about Rs 50,000-55,000 crore to the state government by way of taxes on jaggery, ethanol and such products. Is this not the duty of the state government? The state government is not listening to the problems of the distressed farmers.”
He said, farmers are questioning how much the Congress led state government is concerned about farmers and sugarcane growers.
He said, “Thousands of farmers are protesting against the Karnataka government. The government should realize its responsibility and act accordingly.”
He said, “The state government has not realized its responsibility and has not responded; as the opposition, we are working with a sense of duty. When it comes to farmers who provide food to the country, we must stand in support of farmers beyond party lines. Therefore, after discussing with my party leaders, I have come here to support the farmers’ protest.”
Vijayendra said, “In 2014, during the winter session in Belagavi, farmer Vitthal Arabavi lost his life over the sugarcane price issue. Yediyurappa also took to the streets in protest and put pressure on the then chief minister to increase the price by an additional Rs 150. His protest was successful at that time.”
In response to another question, he said, “In the last few days, the fight for the post of Chief Minister has started. To what level it will escalate, it will be known after the Bihar election results.”
He pointed out, “Farmers in the state are in distress today. During heavy rains, I visited Kalyan Karnataka area. Our opposition leaders also visited Gulbarga, Yadgir, Raichur – this area.”
Answering the question, Vijayendra stressed that the state government should respond immediately to the problems of farmers.
–IANS
mka/khz