Wed Feb 05 16:28:16 UTC 2025: **Karnataka Farmers Threaten Protests Over Congress Government’s Agricultural Policies**
Bengaluru, February 5, 2025 – Prominent farmers’ leaders in Karnataka have threatened street protests over what they perceive as the Congress government’s betrayal of its pre-election promises regarding agricultural policies. Their anger stems from the Karnataka Agriculture Prices Commission (KAPC) continuing to use guidelines established by the previous BJP government, including references to now-withdrawn controversial farm legislations.
In an “emergency public letter” addressed to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, leaders from organizations such as the Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) and Karnataka Janashakti expressed shock and disappointment. They recalled participating in protests against the BJP’s farm bills, which the Congress had pledged to nullify. The letter highlights the perceived hypocrisy of the Congress government now utilizing the very policies they previously opposed.
The letter specifically criticizes the extension of the KAPC’s tenure under the same guidelines set by the BJP, calling it a “great injustice” to the farming community. While some agricultural experts suggest this might be a simple bureaucratic oversight, the farmers’ leaders view it as symptomatic of a larger problem – a lack of governmental control and flawed monitoring systems.
The signatories to the letter, which includes prominent figures such as Badagalapura Nagendra (KRRS President) and Noor Sridhar (Karnataka Janashakti President), demand clarification from the Chief Minister. They warn that unless their concerns are addressed, they will be forced to launch widespread protests. The groups involved are united under the banner of “Samyukta Horata (United Struggle),” which previously participated in national-level farmer protests against central government agricultural policies.
First Piper 