Mysuru, Oct 18: Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has sought an appointment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the problems faced by sugarcane farmers and the ongoing drought situation in the state. He said he would request the Prime Minister to meet an all-party delegation, including opposition leaders, to find solutions to the issues.
Speaking to reporters at Mysuru airport on Sunday, Shivakumar said the government wanted to address farmers’ concerns through discussions rather than political criticism. He also appealed to sugarcane growers to withdraw their ongoing protest and participate in talks to resolve their demands.
Karnataka Sugarcane Farmers Demand Higher Support Price
Sugarcane farmers from north Karnataka have intensified their agitation over demands for better prices and support from the government. The protesters recently blocked the Pune-Bengaluru National Highway near Belagavi for two days.
Following the highway blockade, the farmers began a padayatra from Belagavi towards the residence of Union Minister Pralhad Joshi in Hubballi. They decided to take their protest to the Union minister’s doorstep after the Centre failed to provide a clear assurance on their demands, despite forming a committee to examine the issues.
The key demands of the sugarcane growers include:
- A sugarcane price of Rs 5,500 per tonne.
- An increase in the minimum selling price of sugar to Rs 60 per kg.
- A revision of ethanol prices.
- Better financial support for sugarcane farmers.
Shivakumar Calls for Talks to Resolve Farmers’ Protest
Reacting to the ongoing sugarcane farmers’ protest, Shivakumar said he had spoken to the farmers and appealed to them to call off their agitation.
The Chief Minister stressed that the welfare of farmers and the public remained the government’s priority. He said the interests of all farming communities must be considered while discussing financial assistance and higher support prices for sugarcane growers.
Responding to demands for the Karnataka government to contribute towards a higher sugarcane price, Shivakumar said the proposal could be discussed. However, he pointed out that the state government must also consider the needs of farmers growing other crops.
Karnataka CM to Discuss Drought Situation With PM Modi
Along with sugarcane farmers’ problems, Shivakumar wants to discuss the drought situation in Karnataka with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He said an all-party delegation could help bring together the state government and opposition leaders to seek solutions from the Centre.
The Chief Minister expressed hope that opposition leaders would join the delegation, as they had previously indicated their willingness to support the initiative.
Police Given Free Hand in Kalaburagi Terror Suspect Case
Commenting on the arrest of a suspected terrorist in Kalaburagi, Shivakumar said the police would have complete freedom to collect information and investigate the case. He urged political leaders not to make political statements on sensitive security matters.
Shivakumar Responds to BJP-JD(S) Alliance Claims
The Karnataka Chief Minister also reacted to claims by BJP and JD(S) leaders that an alliance government would come to power in the state in 2028. He wished them well but criticised JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy over his earlier political statements about his party and its electoral prospects.
Mysuru Dasara Celebrations and Air Show
Shivakumar thanked the people of Karnataka, particularly Mysuru residents, for their cooperation during the Dasara celebrations. He invited people from across the state to visit Mysuru and enjoy the festivities and city illuminations.
He said rain had affected the Dasara air show and expressed hope that weather conditions would improve. According to the district administration, the air show was scheduled for Monday, subject to favourable weather conditions.
The Chief Minister also said the Chief Ministers of Kerala and Telangana were scheduled to attend the Dasara celebrations following his invitation.
Shivakumar added that he could not visit Andhra Pradesh despite receiving an invitation because of his commitments, including his visit to meet sugarcane farmers. He said he had planned to discuss Tungabhadra water-related issues during the visit.
