Vijayapura: MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal led a large protest in Vijayapura on Monday, demanding enhanced drought relief for farmers, a review of electoral roll discrepancies and action against what the protesters described as baseless allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The protest began with prayers to ‘Gomata’ in front of Siddheshwara Temple. The demonstrators subsequently marched to the Deputy Commissioner’s office, where they submitted a memorandum urging the state government to address their demands.
Addressing the gathering, leaders criticised the state government’s announced drought relief of ₹2,500, calling it inadequate in view of the hardships faced by farmers. They demanded compensation of at least ₹25,000 per acre and called for employment opportunities in rural areas to prevent distress migration.
The protesters also demanded that the Bidadi Township project be scrapped and the funds earmarked for it be diverted to irrigation projects in North Karnataka. They insisted that compensation for farmers who had lost their land be paid in a single instalment.
The demonstrators alleged that the draft electoral roll for Vijayapura city, published following the Special Summary Revision (SSR), contained the names of deceased persons, voters registered at multiple locations and ineligible voters.
They called for a comprehensive review of the electoral rolls, correction of the alleged discrepancies and publication of an accurate voters’ list. They also sought a review of alleged lapses in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process.
The leaders criticised the Congress and certain organisations over allegations against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. They further demanded a National Investigation Agency (NIA) inquiry into the participants and organisers of the protest, according to the demands raised at the gathering.
Farmers, political leaders, representatives of various organisations, women and activists from different parts of Vijayapura district participated in the demonstration.
