Shivamogga leaders told to quit over 'failure' on farmer issues

The convener of the Malnad Raitha Horata Samiti, Ti.Na. Srinivasa, has called for the resignation of all MLAs and the MP representing Shivamogga district, accusing them of neglecting the interests of farmers in the Malnad region.

Speaking to reporters in Shivamogga on Tuesday, Mr. Srinivasa said the elected representatives have not raised regional farmer issues in the legislature and appear largely unaware of the hardships faced by the farming community. He specifically pointed to the unresolved problems of farmers who lost land to dam projects, noting that many who were promised compensatory land have been unable to secure ownership because such plots are being classified as forest land.

Mr. Srinivasa also criticised the leaders' response to the draft notification proposing to declare the Western Ghats an Ecologically Sensitive Area. He alleged that the representatives have not understood the seriousness of the matter, with some favouring a survey modelled on the Kerala approach, which he said would not benefit Karnataka. He added that instead of addressing the issue, the leaders are engaged in mutual blame over the K. Kasturirangan report on the Western Ghats.

He dismissed the Kasturirangan report, prepared using satellite imagery, as unfit for consideration, stating that the expert committee did not consult gram panchayats during its preparation. Mr. Srinivasa demanded that the elected representatives resign immediately for failing to raise these matters effectively in Parliament and the State Assembly.