Belagavi: BJP State General Secretary and MLC N Ravi Kumar announced a massive protest scheduled for Dec 13 in Belagavi, citing concerns over the state government's failure in drought management and development initiatives.
Kumar addressed reporters during a press conference in Belagavi on Monday.
"Farmers are currently grappling with a shortage of power. Previously, our government ensured a supply of 7 hours of electricity to them. However, the current government falls short, providing less than 5 hours. Individuals undertaking the drilling of new borewells now face an additional financial burden, as they are required to incur expenses ranging from Rs 2-3 lakh for electricity connections. The government has shifted the responsibility onto the farmers, asking them to bear the cost," he remarked.
Accusing the government of burdening farmers and the poor, Kumar lamented the lack of grants for legislators and the absence of financial support for crucial projects in North Karnataka, including Krishna, Kalasa Banduri, and road development initiatives.
He labeled the government as indifferent to the needs of farmers and North Karnataka, highlighting its lack of developmental initiatives.
The protest on Dec 13 is anticipated to draw more than 25,000 participants, including farmers, poor individuals, youth, women, and laborers. Notable political figures, including former Chief Ministers Basavaraj Bommai and Sadananda Gowda, former Deputy CMs Govind Karjol and Eshwarappa, former Minister Sriramulu, State President Vijayendra, Leader of the Opposition in Assembly R. Ashok, and local MPs and MLAs, will join the protest.
Kumar emphasized the campaign's intent to hold the government accountable.
"This government has utterly failed. Out of the Rs 34,000 crore allocated for the development of SCs and STs, Rs 11,500 crore has been diverted. Not a single paisa has been granted to numerous OBC corporations, including Devaraja Urs Corporation, Ambedkar Nigam, Jagjivan Ram Nigam, Ambigara Chowdaiah Nigam, etc. It is evident that the first priority of this government is minorities," Ravi Kumar alleged.
