Farmers Stage Unique Protest in Hubballi
Members of the BJP's Raitha Morcha, under the leadership of BJP MLA Mahesh Tenginakai, organized a significant demonstration at the tahsildar's office in Hubballi on Saturday. The protest featured a distinctive march using a bullock cart, drawing attention to their demands for adequate compensation for agricultural losses suffered by farmers across the region.
Key Demands Presented to Authorities
The protesters submitted a formal petition outlining several critical demands for the farming community. MLA Mahesh Tenginakai emphasized that farmers affected by heavy monsoon conditions deserve additional compensation for their damaged crops, including horticultural produce, as per established SDRF and NDRF regulations.
Among the primary demands presented were the establishment of one procurement centre for each gram panchayat to purchase cereals and pulses at government-supported prices. The protesters also insisted on Rs 3,300 per tonne for sugarcane growers, a rate they want applied uniformly to farmers in all districts.
The demands package included several financial relief measures:
- Zero-interest loans up to Rs 10 lakh from state government cooperative banks
- Increased funding for subsidized agricultural equipment
- Establishment of procurement centers for maize
- Announcement of support price for mangoes extended to Dharwad district
Political Criticism and Government Response
Speaking to reporters during the protest, Tenginakai criticized the state government for its perceived failure to address farmers' pressing issues effectively. He specifically mentioned that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar appeared more focused on internal power dynamics than resolving agricultural crises.
The protestors expressed their frustration through slogans directed against the state administration, highlighting the urgency of their situation. The use of a bullock cart for their march symbolized the traditional farming methods still prevalent in the region while drawing media attention to their cause.
The demonstration represents growing discontent among the agricultural community regarding compensation for weather-related crop damages and the need for more substantial government support systems during challenging farming seasons.
