Reacting sharply to the protest by sugarcane farmers in Belagavi, Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Sunday alleged that those gatecrashing were actually not farmers.
“They are goondas in the guise of farmers and are a blot on the farming community,” he said, speaking at the valedictory of Krishi Mela in Bengaluru.
Questioning why the issue of non-payment of dues had suddenly cropped up now although it has been there for the last four years, Mr. Kumaraswamy said: “A woman with a green shawl around her neck, who may not even be a farmer, has said the Chief Minister is good for nothing. I want to ask her where was she for the last four years and if she was in a deep slumber all these years,” he said.
Warning of strict action against those who destroy government property, he said: “I know our farmers are humble people and not violent as these gatecrashers. While I respect farmers, I will not tolerate attempts to destroy government property (referring to the gates of Suvarna Soudha that were broken by the protesters).”
Later, Mr. Kumaraswamy told The Hindu that he had not made an unqualified promise to farmers in Belagavi. He said he had told the protesting leaders that he would come to Belagavi “only if necessary”.
“Sugarcane growers are facing similar problems in Bagalkot and Vijayapura. Though the issues revolve around the agreements between farmers and factory owners, the government is interfering as it wants to protect the interests of farmers. Therefore, I had convened a meeting of farmers, officers and factory management in Bengaluru. I had asked officials from Belagavi to accompany the farmers to Bengaluru. But this did not happen,” he said.
