Farmers in Karnataka are joining hands with their counterparts across the nation to participate in the Gramin Bharat Bandh, a nationwide protest aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the agricultural community. The protest, organized by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha, is set to take place on Friday, with farmers in Karnataka actively contributing to the movement. Kurubur Shanthakumar, President of the Federation of State Farmers Organizations Karnataka, expressed dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of farmers’ issues and emphasized the need for unity in condemning violence against them.
Solidarity Against Misrepresentation:
Shanthakumar criticizes the government’s portrayal of struggling farmers as enemies of the country. He argues that instead of addressing the pressing problems faced by farmers, the government is exacerbating tensions. In response, farmers’ organizations across Karnataka have pledged their support for a widespread rural bandh, seeking to bring attention to the challenges faced by farmers and condemn any form of violence against them.
Road Bandh Movement:
To amplify their protest, farmers in Karnataka have decided to initiate a road bandh movement on the specified date. This strategic move aims to draw attention to the issues faced by farmers and showcase their determination to fight for their rights. The road bandh movement is expected to disrupt activities in rural areas and towns bordering villages until 4:00 p.m. on Friday.
National Demand for MSP Legislation:
The primary demand behind the Gramin Bharat Bandh is the enactment of a law guaranteeing a minimum support price (MSP) for crops. The Samyukta Kisan Morcha and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha have been at the forefront of this demand, pressing the central government to address the long-standing issue of fair pricing for agricultural produce.
Detention of Karnataka Farmers:
In a concerning development, farmers from Karnataka, who had traveled to Madhya Pradesh to join the larger protest in Delhi, were detained by the Madhya Pradesh police on Monday. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah raised his voice against this detention, accusing the Narendra Modi-led central government of being behind the move. The detained farmers are reportedly being sent to Varanasi by a special train from Ujjain. Siddaramaiah has called for their immediate release, underscoring the need for solidarity among states in supporting the farmers’ cause.
As Karnataka farmers actively participate in the Gramin Bharat Bandh, their unified voice adds strength to the national movement advocating for agricultural rights and a minimum support price for crops. The protest highlights the challenges faced by farmers and emphasizes the importance of addressing their grievances for the overall well-being of the agricultural sector in India.