Farmers threaten Vidhana Soudha Chalo campaign

BANGALORE: The Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) and Hasiru Sene (HS) warned the State Government that they would undertake a ‘Vidhana Soudha Chalo,’ campaign against the proposed Global Agribusiness and Food Processing Summit 2011, scheduled to be held on Dec 1 and 2. Speaking to reporters, KRRS and HS president K S Puttannaiah, alleged that the Government was trying to displace the farmers by conducting the Summit. He said, “BJP’s earlier motto was to save the nation by throwing out the foreigners. Now, however, it is about throwing out farmers and welcoming foreigners. We will not tolerate this change in the attitude.” He further said that the country’s agricultural scenario was not bad enough to attract foreign investment. “Farmers have invested Rs 25 lakh crore in this sector. What we need from the Government is stable prices, quality seeds, water supply, electricity and market facilities. This will automatically make us financially sustainable,” said Puttannaiah. “The Government provides tax subsidy, free electricity and water to the investors who would show up at the Summit. Similarly, permits are issued under a single window system and companies get a red carpet welcome. If only the State could do this for us, it would generate employment and benefit the farmers,” he observed.More than 20,000 farmers are expected to participate in the campaign which will commence from the city railway station a day before the Summit (November 30). “The Summit is receiving support because there is no pro-agriculture politics. We are ready to be jailed in our struggle,” said Puttannaiah.