Madikeri: A video by a frustrated Kodagu boy of class eighth criticising Chief Minister Kumaraswamy for “neglecting” the Kodagu district in the recent state budget has gone viral across various social media platforms.
Kodagu has been suffering from the numerous lashings it has been receiving this monsoon season. “There is a fear that Kodagu will be washed away due to the heavy downpour,” Fateh, a resident of Yemmemadu village of the Kodagu district, says in his video. In the video, he is seen standing near the river basin at Yemmemadu, showing a battered image of the district.
“You get the benefit of the Cauvery but, have neglected the Kodagu district… in the recent budget,” the boy says, comparing the district to a mother who provides milk to her children. The river Cauvery that feeds the Mysuru, Mandya and Bengaluru districts and even the state of Tamil Nadu, originates in the Kodagu district which is why the boy has called out the CM for not sanctioning grants to the district. The farmers suffer from their crops being destroyed by not just the harsh rains, but also the wild elephants, labourers aren’t able to earn a living wage as they are unable to work because of fear of the elephants.
Bringing up various other issues faced by the district in the video Fateh also pleaded with the CM to restore the 7 kg rice under Anna Bhagya scheme, that was announced by former CM Siddaramaiah.
Fateh has also criticised BJP state president and opposition leader B S Yeddyurappa, saying that no amount of talking in or outside the Assembly will help. He then requested BSY to approach the Prime Minister regarding the issue and asks for compensation for the distressed farmers.
HDK reacts to the video
After having seen the boy’s video, Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy assured that he would visit the district and assess the damage suffered by it because of the rains. “I will listen to the grievances of the people of the district and pay the boy a visit,” said the CM.
