Janata Dal (Secular) leader Virupakshi said that his the district unit of his party would, as part of decentralised demonstrations at all district headquarters, protest outside the office of Deputy Commissioner on Friday against the “anti-people policies” of Union and State governments. He was addressing a media press conference at Reporters’ Guild here on Wednesday.
He alleged that the governments had completely failed to timely address farmers issues including fixation of scientific minimum support prices to different agricultural produces and establishing procurement centres to purchase them.
“Both Union and State governments are, through their anti-farmer policies, pushing farmers in distress to noose. Cotton prices have fallen from Rs. 5,500 a quintal last year to Rs. 3,500 a quintal this year. Yet, these governments have not come forward for their rescue,” he alleged.
He also alleged that the state government had failed to ensure safety to women and children. “Brutal sexual violence on women and children are on the rise in the state. The government has taken no measure to curb the violence,” he charged.
He announced that the agitation in Raichur would also raise district-centric demands. “We demand round the clock power supply to the district as Raichur generates over 30 per cent of total power generated in the state. Demanding to immediately start work for extending the length of Narayanpur Right Bank Canal from 96 kms to 145 kms and regularisation of bagair hukum lands to their genuine cultivators would also be focused,” he said.
Party leaders Shivashankar, Ramakrishna, Narasimhalu and others were present.
