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Karnataka CM steps up efforts to address farmers’ concerns (Img: X)
New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday announced a meeting with sugarcane farmers and factory owners on October 26, as the state government steps up efforts to address farmers’ concerns. He also said he had sought the Centre’s intervention on the sugarcane issue and drought conditions affecting the state.
Shivakumar said Union Minister Prahlad Joshi had initially agreed to attend the meeting but later expressed his inability to participate. However, Joshi had assured him that the Centre would take necessary steps and direct the concerned officials to look into the matter.
“First, we have called a meeting of sugarcane farmers on the 26th and have also invited the factory owners. Prahlad Joshi has also made efforts. Initially, he said he would participate, but later, due to certain reasons, he could not attend. He told us to go ahead with the meeting and said that they would do whatever was necessary,” Shivakumar told reporters before departing for New Delhi.
“He also said that they would issue instructions to the concerned Central Government officials, because this is not just an issue concerning Karnataka; it affects several other states as well. Accordingly, I have sent some officers there,” he added.
The proposed meeting is expected to bring sugarcane farmers and factory owners together to discuss their demands. Shivakumar indicated that the issue required coordination with the Centre, given its wider implications for several states.
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The Chief Minister also said he was pursuing discussions with the Centre on forest-related matters, including the Mahadayi issue, and had sought an appointment with the concerned Union Minister.
“There are some issues related to forests. I have asked for time from the Minister. We have some forest issues, including Mahadayi. Now there are Keralam and Goa elections also. It will be very difficult for them to take a decision,” he said.
Shivakumar highlighted water shortages in the Cauvery and Tungabhadra river basins, stressing the need for a coordinated plan to address the drought situation and farmers’ water requirements.
“I had requested the Andhra CM, either we have to go to Andhra or they have to meet here daily. Because water is very less there also. Farmers' demand is very high. There are problems like releasing water to channels. There is not sufficient water even in Tungabhadra. There is no water in Cauvery and no water in Tungabhadra. With no rain, we need a plan of action regarding drought. We have to meet the Prime Minister and Home Minister,” he said.
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The state government has assigned a team of officers to study the demands raised by other states regarding drought relief. Shivakumar said another Central team would also need to visit Karnataka as part of the process.
Shivakumar also addressed reports that Dalit ministers had been stopped by police during the Dasara celebrations. While describing the event as having gone smoothly overall, he acknowledged that some officers had stopped the ministers during the Dhwaja Stambha puja.
“Yesterday Dasara went very well. There was no problem at the flag pole. Some officers had stopped them, and I myself had to go and get them released for the Dhwaja Stambha puja,” he said.
He said he had directed the Chief Secretary to investigate the incident and examine video footage to establish what happened.
“I have asked the Chief Secretary to conduct an enquiry and check the video clips. The flag pole event was conducted very systematically. I had told all ministers to take responsibility for one portion each, and we did a dry run,” Shivakumar said.
He thanked officials, police personnel, cultural participants and other organisations for their contributions to the celebrations, including the lighting arrangements, agricultural exhibition, tableaux and drone show.
Commenting on an incident involving an elephant during Shivamogga's Jamboo Savari procession, Shivakumar said he had warned the organisers in advance about the need for caution and described the episode as a lesson for future events.
“I was aware that such things would happen. That is why I had told our Ramalinga Garadi one month in advance to be very careful. In the end, it was supposed to be a different elephant, and finally we selected Prashant. I had told them all these things. They were a little careless. Fortunately, no one was hurt. This is a warning bell for the future,” he said.
During the procession, an elephant carrying the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari panicked and ran through the streets, damaging vehicles. Forest officials and veterinarians intervened to bring the situation under control.
According to Deputy Commissioner Dr Prabhuling Kavalakatti, the procession had initially proceeded smoothly before one elephant became frightened and tried to return to its starting point. Another elephant followed, and a vehicle was damaged.
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No casualties were reported. The elephants were secured and examined by veterinarians and forest officials, while the religious rituals continued after another utsava murti was brought in.
Shivakumar also said he had sought an appointment with Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia regarding an information technology-related matter and was awaiting a response.
“Nothing as of now. There is one matter related to Jyotiraditya Scindia regarding IT. I have asked for his time. He was busy with Dasara. If he gives time, I will talk to him,” he said.
He added that there was no fresh development to share regarding the Political Affairs Committee.
Shivakumar is expected to return on Friday and is also scheduled to meet Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who is visiting India from October 21 to 23 at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The visit aims to strengthen the India-Poland Strategic Partnership and expand cooperation in trade, defence and technology. Tusk is scheduled to travel to Bengaluru on Friday for engagements with leaders from the information technology and space sectors.
