Farmers from Navalgund and Hubballi taluk stopped MP and BJP State President Pralhad Joshi here on Thursday and questioned him on the party's stance on the Kalasa Banduri Nala Project.
As soon as Mr. Joshi came out after reporters at the Hubballi Circuit House, the farmers led by Subhashchandra Patil, Lokanath Hebasur, Viranna Malagi and others surrounded him and sought to how their (farmers') problems would be resolved.
Mr. Joshi tried to explain the BJP's stance and requested them to meet him later for a detailed meeting. Though the farmers did not allow him to proceed and insisted on an immediate audience, the MP asked them to fix an appointment for a detailed discussion.
While the police managed to escort him to his car, the farmers followed him and tried to convince him to have a discussion on the issue on Thursday itseld. However when Mr. Joshi refused, the farmers made their objection evident. After the MP left to attend an RSS meeting, the farmers raised slogans against the centre and Mr. Joshi for failing to solve their issues.
Later, the farmers met BJP's national Vice President B.S. Yeddyurappa, who was also at the Circuit House. The former chief minister pacified them and told them that he and other BJP leaders would attend the meeting convened by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on April 2 and take a united stand on the issue.