Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 30 (ANI): Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Friday said that he would not attend the INDIA bloc protest scheduled to be held in Delhi on November 1, citing commitments related to the celebration of Kannada Rajyotsava in the state.
However, he said that party workers and leaders had been asked to participate in the protest.
Explaining the party’s arrangements for the protest and the state’s Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations, Shivakumar said district ministers and MLAs had been instructed to organise programmes and hoist the national flag in their respective areas.
He said, “There is a protest by our party tomorrow (Nov1). We celebrate Kannada Rajyotsava in a special way in our state. Every district minister should hoist the national flag. I have instructed the MLAs to organise programmes wherever they are holding celebrations. The district ministers should visit their respective districts, hoist the flag and inform people about the government’s initiatives. I will not be going to Delhi. However, I have asked our party workers and leaders to participate in the protest. Our party president has informed us that there are some difficulties with train travel. Nevertheless, all our district presidents and block presidents are going. I and the ministers will not be able to attend. Parameshwara’s health is also not good. In place of Parameshwara, Krishna Byre Gowda will go to his place and hoist the flag. Therefore, all of us need to remain here.”
On the recent increase in milk prices in Karnataka, Shivakumar defended the decision, stating that the revision had been made after a long gap and that farmers would receive the additional amount.
He also said that milk prices in Karnataka remained lower compared to several other states.
“We have increased the price by Rs 6-7. It is up to them to accept it or not. This is not an increase like that of petrol and diesel prices. The milk price had not been revised for a long time. Compared to other states, milk prices in Karnataka are still lower. Our milk was being sent outside the state, including to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. There were protests by farmers, and MLAs were also raising the issue. They had demanded an increase of Rs 12. We have increased it by Rs 7, along with an additional Re 1. The entire amount will go to farmers, except for Re 1, which will be retained for management expenses,” he said.
Addressing concerns over conditions imposed for providing compensation to farmers for crop losses, the Chief Minister assured that the state government would examine the available options and extend assistance.
He also appealed to farmers and other stakeholders to cooperate over the ongoing sugarcane pricing issue, stating that the government stood with farmers.
“We will examine the matter and see what can be done to provide crop-loss compensation. We will look at the available options and certainly extend assistance. Regarding the sugarcane issue, we had sat together and reached a settlement. They are now saying that the Centre has given some assurances. However, I have received reports that there is fresh dissatisfaction over the issue. I appeal to everyone to cooperate. Sugarcane is drying up, and farmers are facing difficulties. Let us abide by whatever decision the Central Government takes. We stand with farmers, and their welfare is our priority. I request everyone to remain patient and cooperate. If sugar prices have not increased for the last 10 years, how can sugar factories afford to pay more to farmers? The price of sugar needs to be fixed. We will examine the matter and make a request to the Centre,” he added. (ANI)
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