Members of the Bharatiya Janata Party's farmers' wing, the Raitha Morcha, organized a significant demonstration in Dharwad on Tuesday. The rally was a direct protest against the current state government's agricultural policies, which the protesters label as anti-farmer.
Core Issues: MSP and Scrapped Welfare
The primary grievances fueling the protest were twofold. The activists strongly accused the state government of not ensuring the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers' produce, a critical safety net for agricultural communities. Secondly, they protested the alleged discontinuation of various welfare programmes that were initiated during the previous BJP-led administration in the state.
March and Submission of Demands
The protest action saw participants gather at Kadapa Maidan. From this starting point, they took out a rally that proceeded through the city streets. The march culminated at the office of the Deputy Commissioner. There, the group formally submitted a memorandum outlining their demands, seeking its delivery to the state government through the district official.
The demonstration was notable for the presence of several prominent BJP figures. Attendees included MLA MR Patil, P Raju, and Lingaraj Patil. They were joined by former MLA Seema Masuti, as well as party members Sanjay Kapatkar and Jayateertha Katti, among others. Their participation underscored the political significance of the farmers' issues within the region.
Political Repercussions and Farmer Sentiment
This public rally in Dharwad highlights the growing political tension surrounding agricultural policy in Karnataka. The BJP Raitha Morcha is strategically positioning itself as the champion of farmers' rights, directly challenging the incumbent government's record. The focus on MSP and specific welfare schemes aims to tap into rural discontent, potentially influencing the political narrative ahead of future elections. The event signals a continued and vocal opposition to the state's current farm sector management.
