The visit of Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi to Maidur village in Ranebennur Taluk of Haveri district has left many residents angry.
Residents of the village had tolerated several restrictions that were imposed on their movement since last few days because of the visit of Mr. Gandhi. They were hoping to air their grievances before him.
However, Mr. Gandhi’s visit, which came with unprecedented security, left them fuming as he, after visiting the family members of the deceased farmer Ashok Madiwalar, hardly had time to interact with them.
The farmers had been waiting in a separate enclosure near the Madiwalar’s residence since morning, but Mr. Gandhi, who was accompanied by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and KPCC President G. Parameshwara, spent only about five minutes with them.
As Mr. Rahul left within few minutes, the fuming farmers made no attempt to hide their despair.
“If he did not have time to speak to the farmers, then what is the need for coming over here spending so much money? He should have called the family of the deceased farmer to Delhi to speak to them,” said Kallappa Chavatagi.
“If he did not have at least 5-10 minutes, then why were we kept waiting since hours,” asked Neelappa Arabagonda.
Sanjeevkumar Wadeyar, who got a chance to ask a question regarding the failure to ensure fair prices for the agricultural produce, got an answer from Mr. Gandhi.
The leader blamed the Central government and its policies for it.
