B.Y. Vijayendra criticized the Congress government for ignoring farmers’ distress, demanding maize procurement centers, compensation, and statewide BJP-led protests
Davanagere
BJP State President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra has strongly criticized the Congress government in Karnataka for failing to address the issues faced by farmers. Speaking to the media during a protest, he stated that ignoring farmers in distress amounts to serious wrongdoing.
The protest was organized by the BJP Farmers’ Front, with participation from state president Nadahalli, senior leader C.T. Ravi, and district leaders including Renukacharya and Modal Virupakshappa. Vijayendra alleged that the Congress government has been unresponsive to farmer grievances, particularly concerning sugarcane and maize cultivators, whose problems remain unresolved.
He highlighted ongoing protests by maize and jowar farmers in Lakshmeshwar and Navalgund, including a fast-unto-death satyagraha led by farmer leader Shankranna Ambali. He further criticized the state government for failing to open procurement centers despite the central government declaring support prices.
Vijayendra demanded that the Chief Minister immediately inaugurate maize procurement centers. He also called for the installation of 32 crest gates at the Tungabhadra dam, warning that without them, farmers in Koppal, Ballari, Vijayanagara, and Raichur are unable to sow their second crop. Additionally, he insisted that farmers should be compensated Rs. 25,000 per acre for crop losses.
He accused the entire state cabinet of remaining inactive in Delhi while farmers face urgent issues. Vijayendra announced a statewide agitation across all 224 Assembly constituencies on November 27 and 28, with subsequent protests planned in all district headquarters on December 1 and 2, organized by the BJP Farmers’ Front. He stressed that resolving farmers’ issues must be the government’s immediate priority, regardless of political considerations.