Kushtagi MLA Doddanagouda Patil Announces ‘Novel’ Protest on Sept 16 Over Drought Status

KUSHTAGI (KOPPAL): Demanding that the State Government immediately declare Kushtagi taluk a drought-affected region, local MLA Doddanagouda Patil announced that a massive, non-partisan protest will be staged in the town on September 16.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP Anjanadri office, Patil said farmers and members of the public from more than 170 villages across the taluk will participate in the protest to express their anger over the government’s alleged inaction on the drought situation.

As part of the planned protest, a major rally will be taken out from Mallayya Circle to Basaveshwara Circle. Protesters plan to lock key government offices along the route and ask officials to come out as a demonstration of their dissatisfaction with the administration.

The protesters also plan to stage a road blockade, or Rasta Roko, for nearly one-and-a-half to two hours at Basaveshwara Circle and Maruti Circle.

Patil highlighted the severe rainfall deficit in the region and the resulting crop damage, saying farmers are facing serious financial distress due to the drought-like conditions.

The MLA expressed strong disappointment over Kushtagi being excluded from the government’s second list of drought-hit taluks. He urged the State Government to include Kushtagi in the list without delay and directly deposit compensation into the bank accounts of affected farmers.

"If the government fails to fulfil its promises, our agitation will continue relentlessly until Kushtagi is formally declared drought-hit. Beyond political affiliations, everyone must join hands for the welfare of our farmers," MLA Doddanagouda Patil said.