Mysuru: Accusing Chief Minister Siddharamaiah and District In-charge Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa of betraying the farmers, the Karnataka State Sugar Cane Growers Association has vowed to defeat the two in the upcoming Assembly polls.
This decision was taken at a meeting of the Association that took place at Kuvempu Park near Gun House Circle here yesterday.
Accusing Siddharamaiah and Dr. Mahadevappa of failing to keep their promise on many agrarian issues, which included non-payment of dues by sugar factories, failure to release water to Carvery-Kabini canals and remunerative price for sugarcane, among others, the meeting criticised the Congress Government for favouring defaulting sugar factory owners.
Following the meeting, the association members unanimously decided to work for the defeat of CM Siddharamaiah and District Minister Dr. H.C. Mahadevappa.
The meeting also decided to take out a bike rally on May 3 and 4 to create awareness among the farming community.
The meeting also pressed the State Government for fulfilment of 15-point charter of demands, which included declaration of MSP (Minimum Support Price) for all crops, complete farm loan waiver, Rs. 4,400 FRP for per ton of sugarcane, a more simpler and friendly crop insurance policy, naming farmer leaders to the Legislature, uninterrupted quality power supply to irrigation pump-sets, health insurance cover for farmers, execution of Mekedatu project and scientific compensation for crop loss, among others.
Association office-bearers Altahalli Devaraj, P. Somashekar, Hallikerehundi Bhagyaraj, Rajanna, Kiragasur Shankar and others were present.
The so called farmers association has taken a stand based on caste. Why are they linking sugar cane issue to elections ? If they were so concerned they could have gone on strike long ago. When will our people shed caste politics ? If voters prefer their own caste person how can we get rid off castes in the near future ? Of course the political parties are to be blamed for issuing tickets on caste basis. BJP has made Yeddy as CM candidate just because he is a Lingayat. What a hypocracy by the nationalist party ? The very existence of JD(S) is also based on a dominant caste.
Let’s decide whom to vote now !!