Belagavi: State BJP President and Opposition leader in the Assembly B.S. Yeddyurappa has warned that his party will launch an aggressive agitation against the state government if it fails to find a satisfactory solution to the problems faced by farmers.
Addressing the massive ‘Belagavi Chalo’ rally of farmers here on Monday on the first day of the winter legislature session, Mr Yeddyurappa said, “The ruling party has been accusing us of engaging in Operation Lotus but we will not dethrone the coalition government. In fact Congressmen themselves are doing this job and are wondering if they should continue in the government”, the former CM said.
Referring to the plight of farmers who were promised crop loan waiver by the ruling Janata Dal (Secular) before the Assembly polls, Mr Yeddyurappa said only a few farmers have got ‘no dues certificates’ from the banks for their crop loans. The Chief Minister has no respect for farmers, he said and added that the BJP will raise farmer issues in the Legislature from Tuesday onwards. Mr Yeddyurappa also lamented that there was virtually no governance in the state with ministers not visiting Vidhana Soudha. The CM has no time to visit drought affected districts and farmers are selling their cattle at lower prices, he said while announcing that the BJP will kickstart a statewide agitation against the government once the winter session is over.
Hitting back at ruling coalition leaders for their comments on his age (Yeddyurapa is 75), the former Chief Minister, said, “I am confident I will remain in active politics for the next 15 years.”
Meanwhile, a delegation of farmer leaders led by Kodihalli Chandrashekar, who were protesting outside Suvarna Soudha demanding the payment of pending dues of sugarcane growers, met the Chief Minister who assured them that he will take necessary action to see they get their dues. Another farmers rally was held in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office which was led by farmer leader Kurubur Shanthakumar.
As usual, the Maharashtra Ekikarana Samiti (MES) too organised a convention opposing the winter session in Belagavi and demanded the merger of Belagavi with Maharashtra.
However, the turnout this year was lower than in previous years.
