Bengaluru: The hundreds of farmers from north Karnataka feel devastated after BJP state president B.S. Yeddyurappa backtracked on his promise to get them Mahadayi water.
The farmers were hoping to hear some good news when Mr. Yeddyurappa entered the office but he failed to give them any assurance. Bakirava Yamanappa Agasar, a woman from Dharwad district collapsed right after his speech while another woman, Kasthurava from Yamanur also collapsed assuming that all their efforts had gone in vain. Both were shifted to KC General hospital where they are currently being treated.
The farmers have been sleeping right outside the BJP office while the women and children have been staying in a hall. They prepare food on the footpath and got a water tanker to clean themselves and the cooking vessels.
Farmer, Hanumanthappa said that they get drinking water once in every 12 days and there are no borewells in their village. During summer, it it becomes worse as they get water once in a month and have to store it for drinking.
Kaveramma, a protester said her whole family is here for the protest including her ten year old son and is disappointed that even after four days, no progress has been achieved.
Siddappa, another farmer said they are angry with the government for playing dirty politics and do not belong to any party. He claimed the farmers will not be taking part in the coming elections and do not need such leaders.
Congress, JD(S) backing protest, claims BJP
BJP state president, B.S.Yeddyurappa tried his best to convince the farmers that as Goa CM, Manohar Parrikar had agreed to settle the dispute amicably, it was now upto CM Siddaramaiah to initiate talks with him and resolve the dispute. But with no specific assurance coming from the BJP, the farmers decided to intensify their agitation and hold a day and night dharna before the BJP office.
The saffron party later tried to downplay the agitation, claiming the Congress and JD(S) were backing it and released a picture of a leader from Belagavi, Panachanagowda Dyamagowda participating in it. While it claimed he was a Congressman, Mr. Panchanagowda clarified he had resigned from the Congress three years ago and was now fully involved with the farmers' stir.
Meanwhile,Veeresh Sobaradmath, president, Mahadayi Horata Samithi said: "We are very disappointed with the way BJP leaders, particularly state BJP president, B.S. Yeddyurappa treated us. Did he need four days to meet us? We have decided to continue our stir till our demands are met. On Wednesday, 12 noon, we are taking out a peaceful march to Raj Bhavan to meet Governor Vajubhai Vala to submit a memorandum. From there we will go to the office of the Election Commission and then to the home of JD(S) national president, H D Deve Gowda. We will also march to the residence of CM Siddaramaiah.”
