Rajyotsava Over Protest: DK Shivakumar to Skip Delhi Visit
Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar prioritises Kannada Rajyotsava celebrations over the INDIA bloc protest in Delhi. Read more on his decision and state issues.
Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has announced that he will not be traveling to Delhi to attend the INDIA bloc protest scheduled for November 1. The Chief Minister stated that his priority remains the celebrations of Kannada Rajyotsava within the state, emphasizing that the occasion is celebrated in a special manner across Karnataka.
Prioritising State Pride and Local Governance
Explaining his decision, DK Shivakumar highlighted the importance of the state's cultural celebrations. He has issued specific directives to district ministers and MLAs to ensure the festivities are conducted with enthusiasm. According to the CM, district ministers are required to visit their respective areas to hoist the national flag and engage with the public to inform them about various government initiatives.
While the Chief Minister and other ministers will remain in Karnataka, the state's political presence at the Delhi protest is not being entirely abandoned. Shivakumar confirmed that party workers, district presidents, and block presidents have been asked to participate in the demonstration. He noted that while some travel difficulties via train were mentioned by the party president, the local leadership is still making the trip.
The CM also mentioned that Parameshwara would be unable to attend due to health issues. In his absence, Krishna Byre Gowda has been tasked with hoisting the flag in his designated area.
Defending the Milk Price Hike
Beyond the political schedule, the Chief Minister addressed the recent rise in milk prices in Karnataka. Defending the move, Shivakumar argued that the price revision was necessary after a prolonged gap and that the benefits would directly reach the producers.
- The Increase: Prices have been raised by approximately Rs 6-7.
- Farmer Benefit: The CM clarified that almost the entire increase goes to the farmers, with only Re 1 retained for management expenses.
- Comparative Pricing: He asserted that milk prices in Karnataka remain lower than in several other states, noting that previously, milk was being diverted to Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
Shivakumar pointed out that farmers and MLAs had actually demanded a higher increase of Rs 12, making the current adjustment a balanced decision.
Addressing Farmer Grievances: Crop Loss and Sugarcane
The Chief Minister also touched upon the pressing issues of crop-loss compensation and the ongoing sugarcane pricing dispute. He assured the farming community that the state government is actively examining available options to provide necessary assistance for crop losses.
The Sugarcane Dilemma
Regarding the sugarcane pricing issue, Shivakumar appealed for patience and cooperation from all stakeholders. He acknowledged reports of fresh dissatisfaction despite previous settlements and urged farmers to abide by the decisions made by the Central Government.
"If sugar prices have not increased for the last 10 years, how can sugar factories afford to pay more to farmers? The price of sugar needs to be fixed. We will examine the matter and make a request to the Centre," the Chief Minister stated.
He reiterated that the welfare of farmers remains a top priority for his administration and urged them to remain patient as the government navigates the complexities of the sugar industry's pricing structure.