Call for Kalaburagi bandh on October 13

Kalyana Karnataka Horata Samiti, a consortium of 40 organizations, including various pro-farmers, pro-workers and Dalit organizations, has given a Kalaburagi bandh call on October 13 demanding that the State government release an interim relief package of ₹1,000 crore for the district by declaring it as flood-affected.

District president of Karnataka Rajya Raitha Sangha and Green Brigade Mahantgowda Nandihalli, whose organization is one among the 40 supporting the Kalaburagi bandh call, addressing a press conference here on Sunday said that waiting for National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF) grants will not benefit farmers and affected families immediately as it requires at least two to three months for the situation to return to normal.

He urged the State government to act swiftly and provide immediate relief and compensation to farmers and families affected by floods without waiting for Central government funds.

The samiti demanded that the State government release ₹25,000 per acre for crop loss, write off farm loans and give permanent rehabilitation for families residing on riverbanks.

Questioning the contribution of Kannada film industry and actors to North Karnataka floods, Mr. Nandihalli said that these actors only join hands in agitations and donate for floods only if the districts of South Karnataka are affected.