Pics: Spoorthi Ullal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (DV)
Mangaluru, Dec 3: The District Congress Committee president Harish Kumar on Thursday December 3 said that the BJP-led government at the centre should revoke new agricultural laws that could destroy the livelihoods of farmers.
Speaking at the press meet at the Congress office here, K Harish Kumar said, "Agriculture is the backbone of the country. Many governments that ruled the country had given several subsidy and irrigation projects supporting the agriculture sector in the country. But, now the move taken by the BJP-led government could destroy the livelihood of the farmers. So, the government should repeal new agricultural laws.
“Holding a protest against the government is a constitutional right. But, the government is trying to curb the protest through tear gases and water cannons. And, now the center is holding talks with farmers and trying to defend its failure,” he said.
He also said that protest which erupted in the north region will also extend to the south. Even in the upcoming days, farmers will gherao Vidhana Soudha in Karnataka.
"Congress will support the farmer's protest," Harish Kumar said.
Former minister and MLA of Mangaluru constituency UT Khader said, "The government should respect the feeling of farmers. If the agriculture laws introduced by the government would not affect them, why would they hit streets protesting against the government?
“In a democratic country, anyone can protest. Protesting is a constitutional right. Curbing the farmer's protest through violence is not fair.
"The Green Revolution of Jawaharlal Nehru in the country made the country sustainable in the agriculture sector. Instead of favouring the capitalists, the government should respond to the feelings of farmers," Khader said.
Compensation to families of boat tragedy victims
Khader said that the district in-charge minister who is also minister for fisheries department should provide Rs 10 lac compensation to the victims of boat tragedy. "Kota Srinivas Poojary had offered Rs 10 lac compensation during the death of fishermen in Udupi. Hence, without any discrimination, he should provide Rs 10 lac compensation to the fishermen of the Dakshina Kannada. Though he is from Udupi, he is the in-charge minister of Dakshina Kannada.
No clarity
UT Khader also said the state government yet not clear about the examinations of the 10th standard and second PU students. So, immediately the government should take steps to clear confusion among students.
'Love Jihad'
Replying to the queries, UT Khader said, "Law to prevent forcible conversion exists from the past. Though the BJP government is at the centre and state ruling for several years, why have they not introduced stringent laws? They have passed several bills through the ordinance. Why have they failed to introduce this law and who is stopping them from doing it? Moreover, why the government using the Arabic word 'Jihad' to prevent forcible conversion in Karnataka. BJP should tell the intention behind this law.”
MLA Shakunthala Shetty, corporator Shashidhar Hegde, Sahul Hameed, Nirajpal and others were present.