Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], June 2 (ANI): Karnataka Opposition Leader R Ashoka on Monday demanded that the state government convene an all-party meeting, including farmer representatives, to address the ongoing controversy surrounding the distribution of Hemavati River water. He also urged the government to withdraw cases filed against protesting farmers.
Speaking at a press conference, the BJP leader criticized the state government’s handling of protests by Tumakuru farmers opposing the supply of Hemavati water to Magadi. He said that the government should have facilitated discussions between representatives and farmers from both districts instead of creating divisions and resorting to legal threats.
“Threatening farmers instead of convincing them is not right,” Ashoka said, emphasizing that all farmers deserve equal treatment. He also noted that even Congress MLA Gubbi Srinivas opposed the government’s approach. “Filing cases against farmers is an unforgivable offence,” he added, calling for immediate withdrawal of the charges and urging the government to resolve the issue through dialogue.
Ashoka further alleged that Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar is losing credibility and claimed, “Without power, he has nothing.” He demanded that the state government convene an all-party meeting involving leaders from the affected districts to make a fair decision and maintain unity among farmers.
He also accused the state of unfairly targeting Hindu leaders in Dakshina Kannada through a newly formed task force. “This is not a force against communalism but against Hindus,” Ashoka said, warning that if false cases continue to be filed, the BJP will take to the streets in protest.
Ashoka criticized the Congress-led government for allegedly neglecting Karnataka’s coastal region, claiming that Deputy CM Shivakumar’s party is withholding funds. “Congress leaders are living off public money, not the other way around,” he said, demanding an apology to the people of the coastal areas.
Turning to urban issues, Ashoka questioned the lack of development since the formation of Greater Bengaluru. “All roads are riddled with potholes. Garbage disposal contractors haven’t been paid since January. Contracts are being handed to out-of-state firms, creating a garbage mafia,” he alleged. He also expressed doubts about the ruling party’s ability to face the public in the upcoming BBMP elections.
Ashoka reiterated his party’s support for the Mekedatu project and challenged Deputy CM Shivakumar to join them in protest against Tamil Nadu. He also raised concerns about unpaid funds to KSRTC, jowar procurement centers, and public hospitals, suggesting the state government is facing a severe fiscal crisis.
Finally, Ashoka took a cultural stance, asserting that no screening of actor Kamal Haasan’s films should be allowed if Kannada interests are undermined. “All Kannada artists must speak clearly in support of Kannada,” he concluded. (ANI)
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