DAVANAGERE: Farmers in Honnali and Nyamati taluks staged protest on Tuesday demanding that the state government provide support prices for paddy and maize just like sugarcane. The strike, which was supported by the BJP and the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh, brought the two taluks to a standstill.
The farmers are demanding that the state government provide a support price for paddy and maize, similar to the model followed in Telangana. The BJP and the Bharatiya Kisan Sangh had called for a bandh in the two taluks leading to a complete shutdown of businesses and transportation. The protesters were seen burning tyres and blocking roads, causing inconvenience to the public.
Meanwhile, there was a confrontation between BJP and Congress workers in Honnali, with allegations of violence and abuse being exchanged between the two groups. Former minister MP Renukacharya, who is leading the protest, accused the Congress of trying to disrupt the strike.
The Congress MLA from Honnali, Shanthanagouda, has been accused of using abusive language and assaulting BJP workers. A tense situation prevailed for some time with police trying to intervene and maintain law and order.
The farmers are demanding that the government provide a support price for paddy and maize, and are refusing to back down until their demands are met. The strike is expected to continue until the government meets their demands.
