The payment of dues to sugarcane growers by mills rocked the Karnataka Assembly for the second day today with the BJP seeking clarity from the state government on clearing dues of Rs 2,120 crore for the marketing year 2014-15.
As the sitting began in the morning, BJP members entered the well of the House raising their demand, saying that the state government was not specific in its reply on payment of dues when the issue was discussed in the House yesterday.
Karnataka government had said yesterday it would settle by July-end outstanding dues of Rs 923 crore to sugarcane farmers for 2013-14 marketing year and would also lead an all-party delegation to the Prime Minister for discussing the crisis affecting cane growers and cash-starved sugar mills.
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Sugar marketing year runs from October-September.
Opposition BJP leader Jagadish Shettar said government has to make its stand clear by when and how it will pay dues to cane farmers to the tune of Rs 2,120 crore.
Asking BJP to allow the House to continue with its proceedings, Speaker Kagodu Thimmappa said "you have made your point. There was a detailed discussion after which government has replied. So please stop it now and allow the House to function."
Higher Education Minister R V Deshpande said "Central government also has responsibility in this, so let us all go to Prime Minister and try to find a solution for this."
This led to arguments between opposition and treasury benches as they alleged that government was trying to wash its hands off from ensuring that farmers are paid their dues.
Shettar even demanded that a special package be announced for pomegranate and grape farmers, to which Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said "...Central government is with your party who have control over banks. Ask them to waive off loans."
"I had also made a request on this to earlier Union Finance Minister; I'm even ready to take it up with the present government at the Centre. Will discuss on this with both Arun Jaitley and Prime Minister Modi," he added.
After the Chief Minister's response, the Speaker asked the opposition to withdraw the protest, following which BJP withdrew it accusing the government of being 'adamant'.
Siddaramaiah said his government was the most farmer friendly government. "When farmers have agreed and taken back the protest, why are you protesting? This is just for the sake of politics," he said.
