Umesh Marpalli

Daijiworld Media Network-Udupi (HB)

Udupi, Sep 30: The state BJP in solidarity to the notice served bagair hokum farmers will hold a jail bharo like massive protest if the government fails to cancel the notice issued to vacate the farmers, said Jagadish Shettar, leader of opposition, state assembly.

He was addressing the massive protest rally organized by the Udupi district BJP unit to condemn the government decision to vacate the unauthorized occupants in the revenue owned lands here at DC office on Tuesday September 30.

"The government decision to issue notices to poor farmers through the revenue department to vacate the land within 15 days is condemnable," expressed Shettar. He urged the government to reverse the decision immediately and allow the farmers to cultivate in revenue lands in the district and across the state in view of plight of poor farmers.

"The Siddaramaiah led Congress government should reconsider the decision, which would derail the lives of many families cultivating the revenue land," he said. He further stated that the BJP would exhibit unconditional solidarity to the stranded farmers and hold protests across the state. He also warned the state government of dire consequences, if it showed adamancy to revert the decision.

"The BJP, as the opposition party would focus on the issue even in the next winter session held in the month of November at Belgaum and will ensure justice to the farmers in penury," he added. He added that the BJP would also demonstrate protests like jail bharo movement to protect the interest of bagair hokum farmers.

The MP of Udupi-Chikkamagalur Shobha Karandlaje invoking the recent visit of Chief Minister to the district, said that Siddaramaiah's stance indicates double standards. He, during his visit to Udupi advised the officials not to take any actions against illegal cultivators. However, she added, despite CM's advise the revenue department was keen on vacating the farmers.

The applications submitted by bagair hukum farmers under Section 94 C of the Karnataka Land Revenue Act, the Forest Rights Act and form 50 and 53 before the taluk-level regularization committees are yet to be disposed off. The eviction notices under the encroachment or clearance drive should not be issued against such farmers, she contended.

During the protest demonstration, Udupi BJP president Vikramarjuna Hegde, MLA, Karkala Sunil Kumar, former MLA Raghupathi Bhat and others participated.