Kalaburagi, 13 Oct  

Farmers organisations, led by the Kalyana Karnataka Horata Samiti, called a Kalaburagi Bandh on Monday over the government’s response to the rain-ravaged district. 

The demonstrators had three primary demands from the government: a loan waiver, funds under the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), and compensation of Rs 25,000 per acre to the farmers. They also demanded a special package of Rs. 5,000 crore for the district and a loan waiver for farmers.

Leaders of different organisations began their protest early in the morning, blocking vehicle movement at the city’s Central Bus Stand, Ram Mandir Circle, Aland Check Post, and Kharge Circle. 

“It’s been 13 days since we started a dharna at Jagat Circle in Kalaburagi, yet neither the district’s elected representatives nor the district administration has shown the courtesy to meet and listen to the farmers’ problems. This is an anti-farmer government,” protesters said.

IT Minister Priyank Kharge, who is also the district-in-charge, had visited the flood-hit areas and promised aid. However, the BJP claimed that he was more focused on banning the RSS instead. 

Rivers had overflowed in Kalaburagi, Yadgir, Bidar, Raichur, and Vijayapura districts, inundating thousands of acres of agricultural land. In these districts, about 7.24 lakh hectares of crops have been completely submerged. 

Joint Director Agriculture Department, Kalaburagi, Samad Patel, told Salar News that the rains affected 324,205 hectares of Kharif land.

On 30 September, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah conducted an aerial survey to review the situation. He announced that NDR funds would be available after conducting a survey.  

BUS SERVICES SHUT IN KALABURAGI CITY 

The Central Bus Stand was deserted with no buses or passengers in sight. Many commuters who had come to travel to far-off places were left stranded without transport. The Kalaburagi Police Department has taken extra security measures and has been alerted to prevent any unrest.