Vijayendra seeks ₹50,000 an acre compensation for drought-hit farmers in North Karnataka
BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra on Monday urged the State government to pay compensation of at least ₹50,000 per acre to farmers affected by drought
BJP State president B.Y. Vijayendra on Monday urged the State government to pay compensation of at least ₹50,000 per acre to farmers affected by drought in the North Karnataka region. Addressing presspersons at the Bidar Airport, Mr. Vijayendra said that the State government has failed to respond to the distress being faced by farmers in the region. He said that the rainfall deficit has left over 30 lakh hectares of agricultural land unsown and affected farmers in districts such as Bidar, Kalaburagi and Yadgir. Stating that the region has received only around 12% of its normal rainfall, he said that farmers have been unable to sow major kharif crops, including red gram, sunflower and cotton.
Referring to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s recent visit to Basavakalyan, Mr. Vijayendra termed it a mere “photo session”. He said that his visit has not been followed by any relief measures for drought-affected farmers. Vijayendra also urged the State government to release the remaining funds for the Anubhava Mantapa project. He said that the previous BJP government headed by B.S. Yediyurappa sanctioned ₹300 crore in two instalments, ₹100 crore initially and ₹200 crore subsequently, towards the project, which is estimated to cost about ₹500 crore. He said that the Anubhava Mantapa project has seen little progress during the past three years and urged Mr. Shivakumar to immediately release the remaining funds to complete the project at the earliest.
Vijayendra said that his party will also discuss organisational preparedness in view of the upcoming zilla panchayat and other local body elections. The BJP will hold consultations with district leaders, MLAs and senior functionaries to chalk out a strategy, he added. Replying to a question on internal conflicts within the BJP’s Bidar district unit, Mr. Vijayendra said that the party’s core committee will meet to discuss the issues and work towards an amicable resolution. Refuting allegations of any “adjustment politics” between BJP legislators and the Congress in Bidar, he said that the BJP will continue to raise issues concerning farmers and the public.
He added that the party’s core committee will prepare a roadmap for the district and State-level leaders to take up farmers issues.
The BriefWire