Kalaburagi experienced a widespread shutdown on Monday following a powerful call for action by the Kalyana Karnataka Raitha Horata Samiti. The protest aimed to press both the Central and State governments for immediate compensation and a comprehensive relief package for areas devastated by recent floods.
This dawn-to-dusk bandh was spearheaded by the Kalyana Karnataka Raitha Horata Samiti, a formidable alliance representing various pro-farmer, pro-Dalit, pro-Kannada, and pro-women organizations.
From 7 a.m. until late afternoon, the city observed a remarkably peaceful shutdown. The widespread support for the bandh was evident as most businesses and commercial establishments remained closed, and public transportation largely stayed off the roads, with no untoward incidents reported.
Samiti members initiated their demonstrations at the Central Bus Stand, vociferously chanting slogans against both the State and Central governments. Numerous supporting organizations converged at key city intersections and checkpoints, including Humnabad Check-post, Aland Check-post, Ram Mandir Circle, Hirapur Cross, and Shahabad Cross, holding demonstrations throughout the morning.
As the afternoon progressed, a massive protest march proceeded from Nagareshwara School in Nehru Gunj to Jagat Circle, where prominent farmer leaders addressed the gathered demonstrators, amplifying their demands.
Key Demands for Justice and Relief
At the heart of the protest were clear demands: for the State government to officially declare Kalaburagi a flood-affected district and immediately release a special relief package for its severely impacted residents.
Further calls included the waiver of crop loans for farmers struggling in the flood’s wake, the free provision of essential agricultural inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and pesticides for the upcoming rabi season, and a compensation of ₹25,000 per acre for those who lost standing crops. Additionally, they pressed for permanent rehabilitation programs for communities devastated by the Bhima river floods.
Former Minister S.K. Kanta, a notable participant in the march, sharply criticized both consecutive State and Central governments for what he termed “hollow promises” regarding farmer empowerment.
“The recent floods have utterly devastated farms and obliterated countless livelihoods,” Mr. Kanta lamented. “Thousands of acres of standing crops lie ruined, yet distressed farmers and flood victims are left to struggle alone, as the State government appears to ignore their desperate situation.”
Sharanabasappa Mamshetty, district president of the Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha, emphasized the urgent need for State government intervention, highlighting that prolonged survey processes would only exacerbate the suffering.
Mamshetty further implored the Siddaramaiah-led administration to release the outstanding ₹326.83 crore in crop insurance claims to the district’s farmers. He also called for the government to provide ₹307 crore in crop loss compensation to farmers whose kharif crops were uninsured.
Joining the chorus of demands, KKCCI president Sharanabasappa Pappa and Kalyana Karnataka Raitha Horata Samiti members – including Maula Mullah, M.B. Sajjan, Bheemashankar Madiyal, Basavaraj Ingin, Sudha Halkai, and Dayanand Patil – collectively pressed both state and union governments to swiftly allocate funds for the compensation of flood victims.
Additionally, a plea was made to all educational institutions across the district to waive the second installment of student fees, acknowledging the widespread economic hardship.
The success of the bandh was bolstered by broad support from various sectors, including the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Dal Millers Association, the Grain and Seeds Merchant Association, the Lorry Drivers Association, numerous Labour Unions, Street Vendors Unions, the Bar and Hotels Association, the Kirana Market and Cloth Merchants Association, and private educational institutions, demonstrating a unified front for their cause.