In a desperate plea for justice, a unified front of various organizations, operating under the Zilla Raitha Horata Samiti, commenced an indefinite hunger strike in Kalaburagi. Their primary demand is for the State government to officially declare Kalaburagi as a ‘wet drought district,’ acknowledging the immense devastation caused by recent floods.
This powerful protest has brought together a diverse group, including farmer associations, Dalit groups, agricultural laborers’ unions, pro-Kannada organizations, and women’s collectives from across the district, all united in their call for immediate action.
The protestors are vehemently insisting that Kalaburagi be recognized as a ‘wet drought district.’ They highlight that a staggering 90% of the kharif crops have been completely ruined by relentless heavy rains and widespread flooding, necessitating this crucial declaration.
Their urgent appeal extends to both the Central and State governments, demanding the swift release of relief funds and compensation for extensive crop losses and severe house damage inflicted upon the region by the continuous torrential downpours and subsequent floods.
Sharanabasappa Mamshetty, district president of the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha, emphasized the critical need for the State government’s immediate intervention. He argued that waiting for lengthy survey processes would only delay much-needed assistance to the flood-affected victims.
Furthermore, the protestors are pressing the Siddaramaiah-led government to promptly disburse the outstanding ₹326.83 crore in crop insurance claims to the district’s farmers. They are also advocating for an additional ₹307 crore in compensation for kharif crop losses suffered by farmers who were unable to secure insurance.
The organizations are also calling for permanent rehabilitation solutions for all flood victims and immediate compensation for families whose homes have been completely destroyed by the incessant rains and flooding.
Among their demands, a significant one is for educational institutions to waive the second installment of fees for students, acknowledging the financial hardship caused by the disaster.
Additional demands include a complete waiver of agricultural loans, the free distribution of essential seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides for the upcoming Rabi season, and a compensation of ₹25,000 per acre for farmers who lost their standing crops.
Prominent activists present at the strike included R.K. Hudgi, Shrishail Ghooli, M.B. Sajjan, Bheemshetty Yempalli, Bhimashankar Madiyal, A.B. Hosamani, Basavaraj Ingin, Avvanna Myakeri, Padmini Kiranagi, and Dayanand Patil, among many others showing solidarity.