Be warned! Farmers are coming!
In just a few days of state government announcing its grand plans to erect a mammoth statue of River Cauvery, many farmers have laid siege to Suvarna Soudha in Belagavi, over delayed payment of sugarcane purchase by the state. Small skirmishes have also occurred. Farmers were arrested and then released. None of this is any new to the state.
The farmers who had demanded fertilizer and seeds by taking to streets during the time of former CM Yeddyurappa were answered with bullets. Eventually Yeddyurappa had tried to overcome the guilt of having been responsible for the death of a farmer by bullet, by promising to build a lifesize statue of the man who was killed in the melee. The dead farmer was called the ‘martyr’.
How would the statue of river Cauvery be of any respectable solace when farmers have to struggle to get their due respect and payment from the state? Even central government stages adequate emotional drama over farmers, and play politics through that. Though state has asked the centre to waive farmer loans, the centre has been refusing to pay heed owing to the economic loss it would suffer owing to this. At the same time, central government has spent Rs 3000 cr on a non performing asset such as a statue.
About 200 farmers organisations are coming together to press for their demands. A mega rally of members would reach Delhi on November 29, and 30. This would be a major faceoff for a corporate backed government against the common man. This is quite strongly indicative of the fact that statue of Patel – the one of unity – has nothing to do with the farmers of the country. Farmers are the keepers of food security of the country.
Today, when the country holds its head up with pride, it is not only because of the Army, but also owing to the fact that our farmers served us well with their hard work and produce. To protect their interest is to save the country. But the central government is trying to silence the farmers through the lathis of the police. Beyond this, what are the farmers even demanding? They just want a special parliamentary session being called to discuss the crisis in agriculture today. This is their main demand where they want issues like recommendations made by Swaminathan Commission, minimum support price and control, and remedial measures and discussions on crop insurance owing to faulty methods adapted by banks to be discussed and solved.
As for the accounts shared by the farmers, banks are using humiliating methods to recover the loans which is hurting the interest of the nation. At the same time many businessmen have been able to escape with thousands of crores of loans, which hardly bothered the banks. Hence millions of farmers are victims of this discriminatory approach adapted by the banks. Why are the banks so hard on the farmers and soft on corporates who are responsible for the crises banks are in, today?
Similarly, corporate companies are trying to have total control over commercial crops and insurance. The framework to expand this facility is helping the companies more than the farmers. Owing to all this, the country is facing agrarian crisis with more than 3 lakh farmers ending their lives. In this background, the rally has been organized to bring the issues to the notice of the central government and that of common people too. The rally is aimed at holding at least one democratic exchange of thoughts with the central government which is refusing to accept the problems that exist right now.
To understand why the centre does not want to hold any dialogue with the farmers is not a tough thing. Because, the moment govt comes down for a dialogue, it has to accept its failure to notice and sort out the matter. The government would then be held responsible for the crisis. This is an important coming together of people from many walks of life and hence very significant. Actors, bankers, students, cinema producers and techies, IT workers almost everyone is supporting this rally called by the life savers of the country.
Farmers are showing though the country is deemed to be theirs since they are the backbone, it belongs to the corporates in true sense. Natural agricultural resources such as land, forest, water and minerals are being usurped by the corporate companies, continuously. Companies are continuing to have monopoly over seeds, fertilizers, finances and market – almost every aspect that has something to do with the farmers. This rally aims at ensuring farmers get a life of dignity and promise along with strength and power to work on shaping their own destiny. This is also to increase the face value and dignity of the country. Hence, the government needs to cooperate with the farmers on this rally and its intent.
But in the given situation, such a response cannot be expected from the central government which may call them naxals or whatever to silence their voice. This may lead to even massive clashes between the government and the farmers. This rally may well be called the second freedom fight if the government does not understand its intent and work along with the farmers to find solutions to their problems.
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Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
