BJP accused the JD(S) of not being sensitive towards the issue of farmers following the agitation that was witnessed in Bengaluru. The JD(S) leaders hit back claiming the central government must introduce a special package for the farmers in Karnataka.
Criticising Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy's decision to cancel farmers' meet at Belagavi and his derogatory comment regarding a farmer woman, Dharwad MP Pralhad Joshi of the BJP said, JD(S) that has come to power with Congress's help is known for breaking its promise.
Recalling how JD(S) backstabbed BJP in 2007 after sharing power for 20 months. Joshi said, JD(S) and BJP formed an alliance in 2005 by coming to an understanding of sharing power on 20:20 month chief ministership. After completing his term of 20 months, HD Kumaraswamy broke the alliance, Joshi added.
Following this development, BJP came back with thumping majority and formed the government in 2008.
During the recently-held Assembly elections in Karnataka, Kumaraswamy shifted his office to Hubbali in north Karnataka and claimed that he would dedicate his 15 days to address the issues related to that region. But after coming to power, Kumaraswamy has limited his movement to just southern Karnataka, owing to health reasons, said Joshi.
The sugarcane farmers from north Karnataka are in distress as mill owners are not offering a better price. Instead of meeting them at their backyard, Kumaraswamy changed the venue to Bengaluru from Belagavi, criticised Joshi. This has angered farmers from north Karnataka districts. Instead of pacifying them, he made a derogatory remark about a woman from the farmers' community two days ago, the BJP leader added.
"The 'breaking promise' trait runs in their blood. See how they behaved with a women agitator. Instead of offering solace and listening to their problems, Kumaraswamy asked her where were she sleeping all these years," Prahalad,Joshi said, quoting Kumaraswamy.
Farmers' union leader Siddanna Gouda said that last year, the Congress government had given Rs 2,500 as minimum support price and with increasing production, the farmers expect at least Rs 3,000 as the fixed price per quintal for now. They also demand the arrears from sugar mill owners. Gouda, along with other farmers, staged a dharna before Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru following HD Kumaraswamy's decision to cancel the farmers' meet in Belagavi. They also promised to disrupt the winter session to be held in Belagavi.
JD(S) leaders, who are at the receiving end following protests in Bagalkote and Belagavi districts, defended the chief minister saying that the state government has no role in the denial of better support price to farmers as the issue is between farmers and mill owners.
"The BJP, which is attacking Kumaraswamy, should advise their Prime Minister first. He has been telling lies. The BJP, which claims to have given financial assistance to sugar farmers in Maharastra and UP, should first announce a special package and release amount immediately. Our government is pro-farmers and we will help them," said, MZ Ali, joint secretary, JD(S).
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