Mandya: Farmers in Srirangapatna, Mandya district, expressed their discontent through a demonstration against the state Congress government’s decision to redirect water from the KRS reservoir to Tamil Nadu. The protest, led by Raitha Sangha and Bhumi Tayi Horata Samithi, showcased farmers’ frustration and anger at what they consider a betrayal by the government.
Starting at Kuvempu Circle in Srirangapatna, the protest march advanced to the taluk office. The farmers vehemently denounced the state government, the Chief Minister, and the Deputy Chief Minister, conveying their belief that Karnataka is disadvantaged while Tamil Nadu benefits from the water diversion.
The farmers’ sentiment is one of deep disillusionment. They accuse the state government of siphoning water from the KRS reservoir, depriving local farmers of their rightful share. They highlighted the predicament of farmers who struggle to secure water for essential cultivation while neighbouring Tamil Nadu enjoys the same resource. This perceived inequality is seen as a grave injustice and a breach of trust.
The demonstrators expressed frustration over the inconsistency between the government’s promises and actions. Despite pledging prosperity for all upon assuming power, the farmers argue that the government’s actions contradict this commitment, as water is diverted away from Karnataka’s own farmers, imperilling their livelihoods. The farmers issued a stern warning, indicating that unchecked water diversion from the KRS reservoir could lead to dire consequences. They even alluded to the possibility of mass farmer suicides, underscoring the severity of the matter and the desperation among the farming community.
Key farmer leaders partaking in the protest included Nanjunde Gowda, Hanyambadi Nagaraj, Melapura Devaraj, Shivraj Kempanna, Kudlu Kuppe Ravi, Ramanna Katanalu Purushottama Chandagalu, and Bhumi Tayi Horata Samithi President Krishna Gowda.
