Bengaluru: The movement for Mahadayi water has intensified with farmers observing a bandh in Gadag-Betageri and Nargund town to mark the 37th Farmers Martyr Day on Friday.
It was on this day in 1980 that two farmers were killed in police firing during an agitation against betterment levy imposed on them for the water not made available for irrigation.
A tense situation prevailed in Navalgund when thousands of farmers jostled with JD(S) workers who tried to garland the memorials of martyred farmers. Three JD(S) legislators including senior leader Basavaraj Horatti and Madhu Bangarappa stayed away from the memorial site as farmers opposed entry of politicians to pay homage to the deceased. In Gadag, all business establishments voluntarily downed shutters demanding early implementation Kalasa Banduri project. The district administration had declared a holiday for schools and colleges as a precautionary measures. Commuters were put to severe hardship as the KSRTC suspended bus services. Many condemned the lackadaisical attitude of the state and Union governments to find an early solution to the Mahadayi row.
The farmers shouted slogans against the state and Central governments. Meanwhile, the fast undertaken by Karnataka Raitha Sena president Veeresh Sobaradamath in Nargund entered the 6th day on Friday. A team of health officials is keeping a watch on his condition. Police officials have beefed up security arrangements in these towns to prevent violence like what occurred last year.
“Both Congress and BJP leaders continue to neglect the Mahadayi movement though the region is prone to drought. The government will be held responsible if violence occurs again as farmers are furious with elected representatives,” farmer leader Kodihalli Chandrashekar said.
