Raichur, (Karnataka), Sep 3 (IANS) Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra on Thursday alleged that the state government had been forced to withdraw the Parks Bill after coming under pressure from the BJP’s protests.
Speaking during the ongoing Ballari Chalo padayatra near Sindhanur in Raichur district, Vijayendra took a jibe at the state government over its decision to withdraw the legislation.
“I do not know which fool gave the state government the advice to bring this Bill. The state government has been frightened by the BJP’s agitation and has now made a U-turn by deciding to withdraw the Bill,” he said.
Vijayendra added that the BJP had already drawn the state government’s attention to the problems faced by farmers and urged it to take immediate measures to provide relief, particularly as drought-like conditions have emerged across the state.
The State BJP President welcomed the state government’s decision to convene a special Assembly session, but said the session should give priority to farmers’ problems.
He said the BJP would raise several major issues concerning farmers, including a demand for a farm loan waiver.
“We had raised the demands of farmers this morning itself. We welcome the government’s decision to convene a special session. However, at a time when the state is facing drought conditions, the government must immediately come to the aid of farmers and address their major problems, including farm loan waivers,” he added.
Referring to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar’s ongoing tour of North Karnataka, Vijayendra said the visit should not be confined to political programmes.
He urged the state government to use the tour to understand the difficulties faced by farmers affected by drought and take concrete steps to provide them relief.
“The state government, which bowed to the BJP’s agitation and withdrew the Parks Bill, should show the same sensitivity towards farmers’ issues. It should not play with the lives of farmers and must immediately take relief measures,” Vijayendra added.
–IANS
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