In the run-up to the Assembly elections next year, farmers’ groups in Karnataka seem to be attempting to align with parties to test political waters.
The Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha (KRRS) faction led by Kodihalli Chandrashekar is trying to align with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). On Thursday, AAP convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is scheduled to inaugurate a farmers’ convention here organised by the KRRS faction. This is even as the JD(S) has been interacting with various factions of (KRRS) and has offered at least 10 seats to contest in the Assembly polls.
The convention is being organised to urge the Karnataka Government to withdraw amendments to the land reforms Act and the APMC Act. They are also demanding that there be a statutory guarantee for MSP. “While the demand for withdrawal is the main issue, this Government has been accused of seeking 40% commission and the Opposition has failed to counter the Government. The Opposition parties are no different from the BJP,” Mr. Chandrashekar told The Hindu.
