Belagavi (Karnataka) – Dec 9 (LatestNewsX) – Following the Bharatiya Janata Party’s state unit’s plan to stage a large protest, Deputy Chief Minister and Congress state president D.K. Shivakumar said on Tuesday that the demonstration should target the Centre, not the state government.
He pointed out that farmers are under heavy pressure because of the Centre’s policies on maize, sugarcane and ethanol, and added that none of the grants Karnataka is owed have yet been paid.
Shivakumar also noted that the Mahadayi (MahaDavi) project, which could benefit local farmers, remains unresolved at the national level.
“After a long struggle we finally won justice in the Mekedatu issue. They claimed they could secure the necessary clearances in a single day, but nothing has been done. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman promised ₹5,400 crore in the budget, yet not a single paisa has been released,” he said.
He accused BJP leaders of shirking responsibility: “BJP leaders have no shame. None of the BJP MPs have uttered a word on these matters,” he added.
Speaking to reporters at the Belagavi airport, Shivakumar explained that the upcoming winter session would tackle farmers’ concerns, the Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the need to press the Union government for the overdue payments.
When asked about the session’s broader agenda, he said, “I am confident that both the ruling and opposition parties will discuss the pressing issues of the state. Why is the Centre not intervening in farmers’ matters? Why is it not providing support? Why is the MSP money not being released? Why is the central government not purchasing crops? Sugar prices and other matters also need discussion. We must apply pressure on the Union government on all these fronts.”
He highlighted that North Karnataka’s development needs are urgent and that the state will again urge the Centre for funds. “Many projects need to be launched, especially in North Karnataka, and we must press the Centre to release the pending funds. These issues will be raised in the session,” he said.
When questioned about the BJP’s choice to protest alongside farmers but oppose the state government, he criticized the move.
“Did the BJP government ever take bold steps in favour of farmers during its tenure? We decided to buy maize. We stood with farmers on the sugarcane issue. Sugar factory owners say they will suffer losses and may have to shut down. But it is the central government that sets prices for these crops. For the past ten years the Centre has not increased sugar prices. Even so, why is the Union government not helping?” he asked.
He argued that the state administration insists farmers must survive even if factories take losses. The fight should be against the central government, as the BJP has no other topic to discuss, which is why they are making such statements.
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